Texas Power Grid Prepares for Impact of Solar Eclipse on April 8

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is bracing for the effects of the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, which will cause a significant drop in solar power generation.

As the total solar eclipse scheduled for April 8 approaches, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is taking proactive measures to mitigate potential disruptions to the state’s power grid caused by the temporary loss of solar power.

During the eclipse, scheduled to take place between 1:40 p.m. and 1:44 p.m. in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the moon will completely obscure the sun, causing a significant decrease in solar power generation. ERCOT forecasts indicate that solar generation is expected to drop sharply from around 99% of capacity to slightly below 8% during the peak totality period.

The decrease in solar generation will not only impact the four minutes of peak totality but also the hours leading up to and following the event, as the sun will remain partially covered between approximately 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. This dip in solar generation could result in a significant decrease in available power, as solar power typically accounts for about a third of the Texas power supply on an average afternoon.

Meteorologists predict that if the afternoon is sunny and clear, the temperature could drop by up to 8 degrees during the eclipse due to the reduction in solar radiation. If the weather is cloudy or windy, we anticipate that the temperature will be less affected, dropping by only around 1 degree.

To ensure grid reliability during the eclipse, ERCOT will closely monitor forecasts in the days leading up to the event and make necessary adjustments to ensure adequate power supply. By preparing alternative sources of power to supplement solar shortages, ERCOT aims to minimize disruptions and maintain the stability of the Texas power grid during this celestial event.