Powering Texas: Why an All-of-the-Above Energy Strategy is Essential

A growing population, booming businesses, and extreme weather demand a reliable, competitive, and diverse power grid—without political roadblocks.

The Texas Power Grid: A Business and Quality of Life Issue, Not a Political One

I came across this article discussing how Texas lawmakers are working to curb solar energy expansion, even as demand for electricity continues to grow. With Texas experiencing rapid population growth and business expansion—including Apple's newly announced server farm and jobs coming to Houston next year—the need for a reliable power grid is more critical than ever. This isn’t about politics; it’s about ensuring businesses can operate, people can live comfortably, and our state remains an economic powerhouse.

The Growing Demand on Texas' Power Grid

Texas is adding nearly 1,300 new residents daily, with 75% of them moving to urban areas. More people mean higher energy demand, and that demand isn’t just from residents—it’s from large-scale industrial operations, data centers, and small businesses alike. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) anticipates that energy consumption could nearly double by 2030.

At the same time, Texas is a state of weather extremes. From record heat waves in the summer to devastating winter freezes, our grid must be resilient enough to handle these inevitable events. This isn’t a question of if extreme weather will happen—it’s when.

One of the most devastating examples of grid failure occurred during Winter Storm Uri in February 2021. The storm resulted in widespread blackouts that lasted for days, leading to the deaths of at least 246 Texans and possibly many more. The economic impact was catastrophic, with total damages estimated between $80 billion and $130 billion. Businesses shut down, supply chains were disrupted, and millions of people were left without power and water during freezing conditions. A detailed analysis of the storm's financial and human toll can be found in this report from the Texas Comptroller’s office.

The Need for an All-of-the-Above Energy Strategy

Texas is known for its fossil fuel production, but many don’t realize that the state is also a top producer of wind and solar energy. Renewable energy has been a crucial part of keeping our lights on, particularly during times when traditional energy sources struggled. In 2024 alone, Texas accounted for more than 25% of all solar energy added in the U.S., with projections to contribute 35% of future solar projects.

Despite this, the Texas legislature is working on passing new regulations that would make it harder to expand wind and solar energy. Bills like SB 714 and SB 819 seek to impose additional restrictions, which could discourage investment in these resources at a time when we need more energy, not less.

The argument for limiting renewables has often been that fossil fuels should take priority. However, Texas fossil fuel companies are already setting production records and making record profits. The global energy market ensures that Texas oil and natural gas will remain profitable, whether the electricity produced here is from fossil fuels or renewables. So why artificially limit our energy options?

It’s important to emphasize that renewable energy is not about replacing traditional sources—it’s about augmenting them. More energy options mean a stronger, more resilient grid. Wind and solar can step in when fossil fuel plants experience outages or strain during peak demand. A diversified energy mix ensures that Texans have power when they need it most.

Additionally, while Texas produces massive amounts of oil, much of it is exported, rather than consumed domestically. This means that even as Texas leads in fossil fuel production, those resources are often sold on the global market rather than directly supporting local energy needs. Expanding renewable energy sources ensures that Texans have consistent, domestically consumed electricity that isn’t subject to the fluctuations of the global oil trade.

Texas' Shift Away from Market-Based Energy Policy

For decades, Texas prided itself on a deregulated energy market, allowing competition to drive innovation, efficiency, and lower prices for consumers. The state’s decision to deregulate its electricity market in 2002 was meant to foster a free-market approach where power providers competed, giving consumers more choice and reducing costs. Lawmakers championed the idea that the market—not the government—should determine the winners and losers in the energy sector.

However, recent legislative moves contradict this long-standing principle. Now, instead of letting the market decide, lawmakers are attempting to tip the scales against renewable energy through increased regulation and targeted restrictions. The same leaders who once argued against government interference in energy markets are now advocating for policies that hinder competition and artificially prop up certain energy sources. This shift not only limits energy diversity but also undermines the economic benefits that competition has historically brought to Texas.

The irony is that many of the policies being proposed today contradict the very principles that made Texas an energy powerhouse. By restricting renewables, lawmakers are reducing market competition, potentially driving up prices and limiting Texas' ability to adapt to increasing energy demands. If Texas truly wants to maintain its status as the Energy Capital, it must continue embracing market-driven solutions rather than selectively regulating based on outdated biases.

More Competition Means Better Pricing for Consumers

A more diverse energy grid doesn’t just mean more reliability—it also fosters competition, which leads to better pricing options for consumers. When multiple energy sources are available, utility providers must offer competitive rates, resulting in lower electricity costs for households and businesses alike. Expanding renewable energy options alongside fossil fuels ensures that Texans benefit from market-driven pricing rather than being forced into higher costs due to limited supply.

Supporting Small Business Landowners and Rural Communities

Beyond stabilizing the grid and lowering costs, renewable energy development also benefits small business landowners. Many farmers and ranchers in Texas lease their otherwise dormant land for wind and solar farms, generating steady income without disrupting their primary operations. These projects provide a new revenue stream for landowners, allowing them to reinvest in their businesses, pay off debts, or support their families. At a time when rural communities face economic challenges, renewables offer an opportunity to sustain livelihoods while contributing to the state’s energy needs.

Additionally, renewable energy projects contribute to the local tax base in rural areas, funding essential services such as schools, infrastructure, and emergency services. This economic boost helps small towns thrive while ensuring that Texas remains an energy leader. Meanwhile, the increased supply of electricity from renewable sources benefits larger cities by keeping energy prices competitive and ensuring reliability during periods of peak demand. More available energy means fewer blackouts, greater economic stability, and lower costs for all Texans.

Why This Matters to Entrepreneurs and Creatives

A reliable grid isn’t just a technical issue—it’s fundamental to business and daily life. If you’re running a business, a restaurant, a brewery, or a music venue, power outages mean lost revenue. If you’re an artist or creative relying on digital tools, downtime means lost productivity.

Texas thrives when innovation thrives. The state has always been a leader in energy, so why limit ourselves? Embracing an all-of-the-above approach ensures that businesses, entrepreneurs, and everyday Texans can continue to grow and prosper without worrying if the grid will hold up.

In Texas, EVERY day is a celebration. But to keep celebrating, we need to keep the lights on.

Astro Joe Garcia

The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia - Reba McIntyre

The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia is a classic Southern song about betrayal, injustice, and the consequences of failing systems. While the song tells the story of a wrongful execution in a small town, its title alone feels eerily relevant to the ongoing challenges with the Texas power grid. When the lights go out—whether due to extreme weather, infrastructure failures, or shortsighted energy policies—Texans are the ones who suffer. Just like in the song, where trust in the system is misplaced, we can’t afford to blindly assume our energy infrastructure will hold up without proper investment in all available resources. A diverse energy mix ensures that when one source falters, another can step in, keeping homes lit, businesses running, and Texas moving forward. If we don’t take action now, we might find ourselves singing our own version of the song again—only this time, it won’t just be Georgia in the dark.