HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Resolutions (R-22-4765)-09/06/2022RESOLUTION R-22-4765
REQUESTING TEXAS LEGISLATURE TAKE ACTION
TO ENSURE RELIABLE POWER GENERATION CAPABILITY
IN ALL WEATHER SITUATIONS
WHEREAS, the Colleyville City Council finds it in the best interest of the
City and its citizens to request the Texas Legislature require
ERCOT Power Grid provide reliable power generation during
periods of low wind or solar generation; and
WHEREAS, there have been numerous situations, including winter storm
URI (February 14-16, 2021) where the ERCOT power grid
failed millions of Texas residents resulting in the loss of life
and property; and
WHEREAS, Federal and Texas (Texas stopped in 2021) Governments
have provided subsidies for solar and wind power generation,
which do not generate power when wind and sun are not
available or are diminished; and
WHEREAS, solar and wind power generator companies are not required
to provide alternate power when their generators operate at
less than maximum rates; and
WHEREAS, on July 11, 2022 and on many other occasions during this
summer, ERCOT peak power usage wind generation dipped
by 97% of its normal 35,000 megawatts installed capacity
and stand-by expensive power generation was required,
resulting in wholesale rates rising from non -peak rates that
average $50.00 per MWh (Megawatt hour) up to a limit of
$5,000 per MWh; and
WHEREAS, ERCOT power demand set an all-time high record of over
76,000 megawatts on June 12, 2022 even though 6,100
megawatts of solar power of the approximately 20,000
megawatts of installed solar power was unavailable, and
through July and August, 2022 the peak power demand has
exceeded 80,000 MWh; and
WHEREAS, retail electric power rates have increased by 50%, it has been
argued, because of winter storm URI and the changes made
by ERCOT; and
Resolution R-22-4765
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WHEREAS, the Texas population is growing at all-time high rates, in
addition to more large businesses moving to Texas, the
ERCOT electric power grid is no longer adding natural gas,
coal or nuclear generation — only less reliable solar and wind
generation is being added; and
WHEREAS, Federal regulation agencies like the EPA (Environment
Protection Agency) have further enacted regulations
hampering the building of new natural gas, nuclear and coal
generation plants; and
WHEREAS, the Texas Legislature has the responsibility to provide laws
that protect citizens by ensuring capacity to meet future
electric needs of the state.
NOW THEREFORE BE IN RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF COLLEYVILLE, TEXAS:
Sec. 1. THAT the Colleyville City Council recognizes ERCOT's reliance
upon less reliable wind and solar generation diminishes their
capacity to economically meet the needs of customers.
Sec. 2. THAT the Colleyville City Council recognizes the demand for
reliable electricity is increasing in our region and across the
state.
Sec.3. THAT the Colleyville City Council calls on the Federal
Government to reduce regulation and withholding of permits
for nuclear and gas powered generation.
Sec.4. THAT the Colleyville City Council requests the Texas
Governor, the Texas Lieutenant Governor, and both houses of
the Texas Legislature take actions to require wind and solar
generators to pay for standby generation when their power
output declines, and to create more reliable electricity with
nuclear, and gas generation across the state of Texas.
AND IT IS SO RESOLVED.
Resolution R-22-4765
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APPROVED BY A VOTE OF 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, ON THIS THE 6T" DAY OF
SEPTEMBER 2022.
Mayor Bobby Lindamood Aye Mayor Pro Tern Kathy Wheat Aye
Brandi Elder, Place 1 Aye George Bond, Place 2 Aye
George Dodson, Place 4 Aye Chuck Kelley, Place 5 Aye
Callie Rigney, Place 6 Aye
ATTEST:
Angela Larson
Assistant City Secretary
CITY OF COLLEYVILLE
Bob y U clamood
Mayor