The National Weather Service issued a warning that daily temperatures in many parts of the Midwest and Northeast parts could reach record highs in 2024. The power use in Texas was on track to break the record in May for the second time in one week. The reason could be the prolonged use of air conditioners to escape the heat wave. The scorching weather in Texas is a reminder of the February freeze in 2021 that left millions of residents without power, heat, and water for days.
Texas is expected to witness triple-digit temperatures in July 2024 because of the added humidity from breezy South winds. A heat advisory is in effect for North Texas, including Fort Worth and Dallas. From July 30 to August 7, 2024, the temperature will fluctuate between 98°F (36.6°C) - 103°F (39.4°C).This means the residents need to prepare themselves for the Texas power grid heat wave and ensure they are not stuck without power. This article will walk you through the status of heat wave blackouts in Texas, the importance of backup power supply, and solar generators for heat waves in Texas.
Status of Heat Wave Blackouts in Texas
As the heat wave continues to shatter records across Texas, the energy demand for heavy-duty appliances like air conditioning units has led to frequent power outages. They become more common if the demand isn't lowered or additional power supply can't be added.
Over the past five years, there have been around 263 power outages across Texas. As per ERCOT, rolling blackouts are higher around the end of sundown hours, when the electricity grid is most stressed, around 8:00 to 9:00 PM. The electricity grid expects a 16% chance of emergency and a 12% chance of rolling blackouts during August.
The high energy demand in Texas may dangerously impact the total electricity supply in summer. According to the latest report by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the energy demand throughout Texas might reach as high as 78,000 megawatts in August, which is below the state's projected supply of 83,000 megawatts.
In 2021, Texas experienced a power crisis lasting two weeks and three days, during which everyone was left without electricity. Texas suffered around nine power outages in 2023, lasting an average of just under eight hours. The primary cause of these outages was system malfunctions. It happened during the Texas power grid heat wave of 2023.
Tips for Heat Wave Power Cut in Texas
The electricity demand has reached an all-time high due to the heat wave prevailing in Texas. Due to the concern of heat waves and less electricity supply, the ERCOT asked residents to cut back on their power consumption to balance the demand and supply. If you want to be ready for a heat wave prevailing in Texas, you may consider staying cool with an air conditioner, staying hydrated by drinking fluids, and avoiding high-energy activities. Find more heat wave safety tips here.
Importance of Backup Power Supply
Whenever Texas heat wave power outages happen, residents are often on the lookout for a reliable solution. Thankfully, an emergency backup power supply can help you in such situations.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
According to Maslow, human needs were arranged in a basic, safety, and mental needs hierarchy. Maslow argued that basic needs should be prioritized before you satisfy the higher needs. However, the backup power supply will be structured differently in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Let's explain different needs briefly:
Basic Needs: The backup power supply helps protect food and medicine from spoiling during power outages or blackouts. Additionally, you'll need a reliable power backup source to keep medical equipment like CPAP machines functional throughout the night.
Safety Needs: Heat waves mean you'll need to keep your family and pets cool and safe indoors. However, prolonged power outages can be a cause for concern. With an emergency power backup supply, you can charge essential appliances like portable fans, mini coolers, and ACs to keep the space cool and comfortable.
Mental Needs: Whenever there is a long-term power outage, you might not have access to essential electronics like a WiFi router, TV, PS4, laptop, etc. A reliable and safe power supply ensures you can charge the equipment and enjoy non-stop entertainment. Whether you want to play a game on PS4, watch your favorite show on TV, or do your work on a laptop, a reliable power backup can be a great companion.
Comparing the Backup Power Supply
A generator is one of the most common solutions that will keep lights in the home powered during power outages. When selecting a suitable backup power supply, you'll need to compare different types of generators available online. Let's compare them in the below table:
|
Generator Type |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Whole Home Generator |
- Can power most household appliances for hours - Designed to run for a long time - Some generators can also be connected to the home's circuit |
- Expensive compared to small and portable generators |
|
Portable Generator |
- Can easily charge a variety of small tools and appliances - Easily be moved around - Less expensive than other generator types - Can be easily stored |
- Cannot power all home appliances - If it is fueled by gasoline, it should be used at least 20 feet away from home |
|
Inverter Generator |
- Produce less emissions - Portable and heavy maintenance - Usually emits less noise |
- Expensive than portable generators |
|
Gasoline Generator |
- Tends to be more affordable than most generator types - Gas is more readily available - Much quieter than diesel generators - Readily available in the market |
- Emits highly toxic gases and fumes - Highly flammable - Can only be used outdoors - Gas is much more expensive than other fuels |
|
Diesel Generator |
- Run more efficiently than gasoline generators - Affordable to operate compared to gasoline - Has a long lifespan compared to gasoline generators |
- Emits harmful gases that are not safe indoors - Can only be used outdoors - More expensive and noisy than gasoline generators |
|
Solar Generator |
- Does not emit any toxic fumes - Can be used indoors without any issues - Low maintenance costs - Can help save electricity in the long run - Large solar generators can run most of the household appliances for long hours |
- High installation costs, but they can be affordable in the long run |
|
Natural Gas Generator |
- Low emissions than diesel generators - Cleaner fuel - Can also be connected to the existing pipeline |
- High maintenance and initial setup costs - Cannot be used indoors |
Out of all the available generators, solar generators are one of the most reliable choices. They consist of a solar battery or power station and solar panels. The solar panels can produce electricity when there's sunlight and store it in the battery backup. This ensures you'll have enough electricity to power home appliances during the day and night. Additionally, they do not emit toxic fumes or gases to make the emergency backup solution ideal for indoor use.
Jackery Solar Generators for Heat Wave in Texas
Jackery Solar Generators are a reliable solar power system that consists of Jackery Portable Power Stations and Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels. When you place the solar panels under sunlight, they convert solar energy to DC electricity. It will then be converted to AC electricity with the pure sine wave inverter of the portable power station. These solar generators can charge most household appliances in the event of an unexpected power outage amidst the Texas power grid heat wave.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
Capacity: Rated Watt: 3000W/ Surge Watts: 6000W/ Capacity: 2042.8Wh
Battery Cell & Life Cycle: LiFePO4 & 4000 cycles to 70%+ capacity
Appliances:
- AC (1200W) = 1.4H
- Portable Fan (50W) = 34.7H
- CPAP Machine (40W) = 43.4H
- Refrigerator (400W) = 4.3H
- Electric Stove (1000W) = 1.7H
- Ice Maker (150W) = 11.5H
- TV (150W) = 11.5H
- Laptop (80W) = 21.7H
If you're looking for a reliable emergency battery backup solution that can charge most household appliances during the heatwave, you may consider investing in the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus. The portable solar generator can charge small to heavy-duty appliances such as air conditioners, fans, or coolers to keep the home cool and comfortable. During extended power outages, you can also charge microwaves, electric stoves, or other kitchen appliances.
Review: "Very good quality, the battery lasts a very long time. Very easy to move around with the built-in tires. Love the upgradeability. The best solar generator I have ever had." — Marc.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh)
Capacity: Rated Watt: 3000W/ Surge Watts: 6000W/ Capacity: 4085.6Wh
Battery Cell & Life Cycle: LiFePO4 & 4000 cycles to 70%+ capacity
Appliances:
- AC (1200W) = 2.8H
- Portable Fan (50W) = 69.4H
- CPAP Machine (40W) = 86.8H
- Refrigerator (400W) = 8.6H
- Electric Stove (1000W) = 3.4H
- Ice Maker (150W) = 23.1H
- TV (150W) = 23.1H
- Laptop (80W) = 43.4H
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh) has a large battery capacity and supports 99% of household appliances. It can charge central air conditioners, sump pumps, large household refrigerators, etc., ensuring you don't have to worry about power outages during heat waves. Its sturdy design, foldable handle, and double wheels provide easy movement from one place to another.
Review: "This is absolutely a great addition to the 2000 Plus. I mainly have it for power outages, but I will also use it on occasional camping trips." — Mark Watkins.
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
Capacity: Rated Watt: 3000W/ Surge Watts: 6000W/ Capacity: 3024Wh
Battery Cell & Life Cycle: NMC & 2000 cycles to 70%+ capacity
Appliances:
- AC (1200W) = 2.1H
- Portable Fan (50W) = 51.4H
- CPAP Machine (40W) = 64.2H
- Refrigerator (400W) = 6.4H
- Electric Stove (1000W) = 2.5H
- Ice Maker (150W) = 17.1H
- TV (150W) = 17.1H
- Laptop (80W) = 32.1H
The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is another whole-home power backup solution capable of charging 99% of household appliances during power outages or blackouts in Texas. It can help you stay cool by charging cooling appliances or cooking food by powering kitchen equipment. You can also charge gaming consoles, TVs, or laptops for non-stop entertainment or the latest news.
Review: "The Jackery 3000 Pro with solar panels meets our needs and is a lot more economical, easy to use, and convenient to store." — Mark Zais.
Texas Power Grid Heat Wave FAQs
Why is Texas having power outages?
Dramatic weather, such as heat waves or unexpected storms, develops quickly in Texas, which results in a power outage. In simple words, extreme heat, floods, winter weather, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes can damage energy infrastructure and temporarily disrupt delivery systems in Texas.
Is electricity expensive in Texas?
A report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that electricity prices in Houston, Texas, are up nearly 16% from a year ago. In 2022, Texans paid twice as much for electricity compared to pre-pandemic prices, according to a recent analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Since then, prices have stayed volatile.
Can you live off-grid in Texas?
Yes, Texas has abundant sunshine, which makes it ideal for off-grid living. You can invest in whole-home backup solutions to reduce your reliance on the Texas utility grid and save money on electricity bills.
Why did the Texas power grid fail?
Most of Texas' power relies on natural gas, and natural gas production depends on electricity, which in turn relies on natural gas production. Subsequently, the faulty measures have made Texas vulnerable to cold weather and hot conditions like heat waves.
Stay Protected During Texas Power Outages
Heat waves in Texas have caused people to use their air conditioners for a long time. When the grid couldn't meet the demand, it led to power outages. When air conditioners are not running during the Texas power grid heat waves, people's health is at risk. Thankfully, solar panels and battery backup have come to the rescue to keep appliances powered during the extended power outages. Jackery Solar Generators act as a reliable option for charging most appliances during blackouts and power outages. They are also a great way to reduce the high electricity bills and save money in the long run.
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