Quote History I like Eric July. I don't watch him on his platform but I watch him on BLAZE as a commentator/contributor. As a retired employee of an electric/natural gas utility I will stand by my thought that it was a combination of under-capacity infrastructure and supply. I don't believe it has anything to do with who controls the grid...read ERCOT here.
When Can A Blackout Occur?
The most common reason for rolling blackouts is that demand for power outstrips supply. Contributing factors might include the following:
Power production problems
Fuel shortages
Outdated infrastructure
Natural disasters
Energy crises stemming from natural or man-made sources
When a city or region experiences rapid population growth, local utilities may occasionally struggle to keep up with the increasing demand for energy, especially during the extreme hot and cold temperatures of the summer and winter months.
By interrupting service to a portion of its service area, the utility can usually prevent a complete failure to the entire grid. Utility officials understand that a power outage is inconvenient, costly, and for some folks, even dangerous.
When demand for electricity strains available capacity, the first response is to promote conservation during peak demand periods. Local officials may encourage residents to adjust the thermostat, avoid using power-hungry appliances, and turn off lights.
If conservation efforts fall short of addressing the problem, the power company may implement brownouts, which involve a reduction in the amount of electricity produced, but not a complete blackout. A brownout can cause lights to dim or flicker, and some appliances to operate less efficiently.
Rolling blackouts are used as a last resort and the company will cut power to as few customers as possible for the shortest period of time necessary to preserve the stability of the whole grid.