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Texas electrical grid remains vulnerable to extreme weather events
New regulations, weatherization standards and operational changes have addressed many shortcomings, but some critical gaps persist.
Journal Article
Spotlight: Oil Patch Productivity Rises; Jobs Vanish
After major oil price busts in 2014 and 2020, the same engineering prowess that helped the oil and gas industry thrive has been driven to find efficiencies to lower operating costs. The result: Fewer workers are needed to produce the same oil and gas output.
High Fuel Prices in the U.S. May Crimp Oil Demand Soon
If prices climb higher, expect consumers to respond by cutting back on fuel consumption and overall spending sooner than later.
A Ban on U.S. Crude Oil Exports Would Not Lower Gasoline Prices at the Pump
High gasoline prices have stimulated interest in what the Biden administration can do to lower the price at the pump.
Solar, battery capacity saved the Texas grid last summer; an uncertain future awaits
As ERCOT forecasts accelerated load growth due to anticipated data center construction and electrification trends, the current generation mix and market design should garner increased scrutiny.
Renewable energy jobs surge, though data differ on where and by how much
Better understanding of the workforce implications of rising electricity demand, particularly at the state and local levels, is critical to planning and anticipating its economic and policy impacts.
Journal Article
New Mexico fuels U.S. crude oil output, funding for local programs
New Mexico has become a U.S. leader in energy production over the past five years, drawing on Permian Basin reserves in the southeastern corner of the state. Oil and gas proceeds fund an increasing share of state government, most notably involving education programs.
Surging Renewable Energy in Texas Prompts Electricity Generation Adequacy Questions
With little investment taking place in new thermal generation, does the design of Texas’ electricity market provide enough incentive to develop capacity for future power needs?
Record-breaking Texas summer heat tests the grid, ERCOT operations
Texas just witnessed its second-hottest summer ever and its highest electricity demand without experiencing interruption to electricity delivery.
Don’t Look to Oil Companies to Lower High Retail Gasoline Prices
While U.S. retail gasoline prices in many regions have remained stubbornly high since March, this situation reflects frictions in the retail gasoline market rather than the supply of oil or the price of oil.