From an article about the Texas grid in the New York Times, 23 December 2021:

“Extreme weather events will be mitigated tremendously by our winterization requirements that are now in place,” and by operating the grid with “an abundance of caution,” said Peter Lake, the chair of the state’s Public Utility Commission, which regulates the energy market.

AND

Mr. Abbott [Governor of Texas] made a similar promise last month: “I can guarantee the lights will stay on.”

So the requirements the PUC put in place will make the grid more reliable in the next few months? Mr. Lake and his boss Governor Greg Abbott are indulging in magical thinking. The Texas grid is almost as vulnerable now as it was last year. The "almost" acknowledges that some improvements may have been implemented, despite distractions: media focus on blame, and the excuses of apologists for the wind and natural gas special interests.

Laws and bureaucratic requirements do not change how a physical system works. Physical and procedural modifications designed by engineers and installed by technicians do change how a system works. Mr. Abbott and Mr. Lake are clear examples of the reality disconnect that I observe in state governments all over America, and in the federal government.

Many politicians at the state and national levels seem to be living in a magical world, expecting that reality doesn’t come to bat until they have left office.

Wednesday, 29 December 2021
Crescat scientia, vita excolatur.