Texas Lawmakers Weigh Gas Plant Mandate Amid Solar, Battery Dominance

Texas lawmakers are considering a new rule that would require minimum standards for building gas plants, shifting the state away from its current free-trade-based energy market. Solar panels and battery storage currently make up 70% of proposed new power projects in Texas, with natural gas generation accounting for less than 17%.

The move comes as ERCOT, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, reports that solar and wind often beat gas on price since they do not face fuel costs. This has led to concerns about the reliability of the grid as demand continues to grow.

Sen. Phil King asked whether the state should require a certain share of new plants to be 'dispatchable,' meaning they can be ramped up or down as needed. However, Pablo Vegas, CEO of ERCOT, warned that such a requirement would mark a significant policy change and could disrupt the current market trends.