We're 30% of the way to our goal of 2,500 donations by Friday! Help us catch up ⏩ Give Now

What might new leadership at ERCOT mean for the troubled Texas power grid?

Aug 16, 2022
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas' new CEO has experience working under a different power pricing model — a capacity market.
Texas operates an energy-only electricity market, which means energy producers only get paid when they generate, and there’s usually not a lot of electricity on standby.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

What's behind China's power cuts?

Oct 5, 2021
China has more than enough coal underground to service the country's needs.
There are more than 50 cap and trade programs across the world to address carbon emissions.
Kevin Frayer via Getty Images

Renewable energy startup aims to help Texans lower electric bills

Aug 24, 2021
Households with less disposable income often pay higher rates. Energy Well Texas is addressing that as well as emergency preparedness.
Antonio Martinez shows how the solar-powered backup battery works. Energy Well Texas wants to help residents save money on electric power and stay safe during emergencies.
Lucio Vasquez/Houston Public Media

The legacy of Enron in California's power challenges today

Aug 4, 2021
California faces more potential rolling blackouts this year due to a historic drought. But the state's deregulated power system also plays a role, and dates back to the Enron scandal.
A man sits under his umbrella under high tension power lines in California in August 2020, two days after the state ordered rolling power outages.
Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images