# Ercot on The No Agenda Show Ercot comes up in 22 chapters across 20 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from February 2021 to August 2026. - **Chapters:** 22 - **Episodes:** 20 - **Discussed:** February 2021 – August 2026 - **Related topics:** [Texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), [Enron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/enron.md), [Power Grid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/power-grid.md), [Natural Gas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/natural-gas.md), [Texas Grid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas-grid.md), [Aoc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aoc.md), [Data Centers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/data-centers.md), [Energy Grid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/energy-grid.md), [Energy Market](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/energy-market.md), [Greg Abbott](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/greg-abbott.md) ## Chapters 1–20 of 22 ### Texas Data Center Moratorium, Governor Greg Abbott - **Episode:** [1897: Caconian](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1897-caconian.md) - **Published:** 2026-08-23 - **Time:** 28:47–33:41 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1897-caconian/chapter/texas-data-center-moratorium-governor-greg-abbott.md Governor Greg Abbott has placed a moratorium on new AI data center construction in Texas, despite previously calling the state the "epicenter" of the industry. The hosts characterize this as a political maneuver to avoid backlash during the midterms. They compare the data center boom to the historical expansion of railroads, suggesting the infrastructure will eventually be useful despite the current "bubble." Keywords: [greg abbott](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/greg-abbott.md), [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), [data centers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/data-centers.md), [ercot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ercot.md), [energy grid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/energy-grid.md) ### Texas Stranded Power and Data Center Interconnects - **Episode:** [1896: Just Dew It](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1896-just-dew-it.md) - **Published:** 2026-08-20 - **Time:** 1:11:23–1:18:51 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1896-just-dew-it/chapter/texas-stranded-power-and-data-center-interconnects.md A chairman of the Texas Energy Committee explains that AI data center developers are "hunting" for stranded power in rural areas like Turkey, Texas, where wind and solar energy cannot reach the main ERCOT grid due to line congestion. While billions are being invested in these facilities, state legislators estimate only 15% of proposed projects will actually be completed. The "hyperscalers" like Google and Meta are reportedly competing for limited grid interconnects. Keywords: [ercot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ercot.md), [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), [data centers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/data-centers.md), [power grid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/power-grid.md), turkey texas, [renewable energy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/renewable-energy.md) ### 2021 Texas Winter Storm, Energy Price Manipulation Lawsuit - **Episode:** [1700: Turban Tossing](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1700-turban-tossing.md) - **Published:** 2024-10-03 - **Time:** 1:58:34–2:03:01 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1700-turban-tossing/chapter/2021-texas-winter-storm-energy-price-manipulation-lawsuit.md A new lawsuit alleges that Texas energy companies intentionally restricted natural gas supplies during the 2021 winter storm to create an artificial shortage and drive up prices. The "crime of the century" resulted in 246 deaths and massive debt for the state. The hosts compare the situation to the Enron-era manipulation of the California energy grid. Keywords: [ercot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ercot.md), [winter storm uri](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/winter-storm-uri.md), [natural gas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/natural-gas.md), [price gouging](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/price-gouging.md), [kxan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kxan.md), [enron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/enron.md) ### Texas Winter Storm, ERCOT Pricing, and Utility Control - **Episode:** [1625: Call me Bill](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1625-call-me-bill.md) - **Published:** 2024-01-14 - **Time:** 5:45 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1625-call-me-bill/chapter/texas-winter-storm-ercot-pricing-and-utility-control.md Record cold temperatures in the Texas Hill Country prompt a discussion on the state's power grid and ERCOT's decision to increase gas turbine prices to $400 per megawatt hour. Reports emerge of smart thermostats in Fredericksburg being remotely limited to 70 degrees by city services during the freeze. A separate account details a water company in Wimberley harassing residents for increased usage despite a higher occupancy in the home. Keywords: [ercot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ercot.md), [texas grid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas-grid.md), [hill country](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hill-country.md), gillespie waste services, [paul simon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paul-simon.md), wimberley, [carbon credits](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carbon-credits.md) ### Arctic Blast Weather Warning for Texas Power Grid - **Episode:** [1513: Inrush](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1513-inrush.md) - **Published:** 2022-12-18 - **Time:** 14:56–15:53 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1513-inrush/chapter/arctic-blast-weather-warning-for-texas-power-grid.md An extreme Arctic air mass is forecasted to move into Texas around December 23, bringing temperatures as low as 15 degrees. This weather event is expected to provide a fresh test for the Texas power grid, drawing comparisons to the catastrophic freeze that occurred two years prior. Keywords: [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), [arctic blast](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/arctic-blast.md), [power grid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/power-grid.md), [ercot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ercot.md), freezing temperatures ### Power Markets, ERCOT and Cattle Fire Sales - **Episode:** [1471: Publical Emergency](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1471-publical-emergency.md) - **Published:** 2022-07-28 - **Time:** 1:56:06–2:02:49 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1471-publical-emergency/chapter/power-markets-ercot-and-cattle-fire-sales.md A donor from the capital markets provides insight into how power companies use debt and hedging to secure profits, comparing the Texas ERCOT system to Wall Street. Meanwhile, in Cisco, Texas, extreme drought has forced cattle ranchers into "fire sales," with cattle auctions increasing from 1,200 to over 3,000 head per week. The lack of hay and water is leading to a glut of cheap beef that processing plants are struggling to handle. Keywords: [ercot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ercot.md), [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), [capital markets](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/capital-markets.md), [cattle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cattle.md), [drought](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drought.md) ### Texas Power Grid, ERCOT Market Failures - **Episode:** [1452: Toxic Stew](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1452-toxic-stew.md) - **Published:** 2022-05-19 - **Time:** 2:39:09–2:45:27 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1452-toxic-stew/chapter/texas-power-grid-ercot-market-failures.md Dave Walsh, former president of Mitsubishi Electric, criticizes the Texas power grid (ERCOT) for its lack of reserve margins and over-dependence on intermittent wind power. The Texas model lacks incentives for building reliable base-load plants, leading to price spikes and brownouts. The hosts compare the Texas energy situation to the failures seen in California and Australia. Keywords: [ercot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ercot.md), [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), [energy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/energy.md), [wind power](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wind-power.md), dave walsh ### Texas Power Grid, Rooftop Solar Narrative - **Episode:** [1425: Brain Fog](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1425-brain-fog.md) - **Published:** 2022-02-13 - **Time:** 3:06:46–3:08:29 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1425-brain-fog/chapter/texas-power-grid-rooftop-solar-narrative.md A new narrative suggests that rooftop solar panels could have prevented the 2021 Texas power grid failure. The hosts dismiss this claim, noting that solar panels are ineffective during the heavy snow and ice storms that caused the outage. Keywords: [ercot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ercot.md), [texas grid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas-grid.md), [solar power](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/solar-power.md), [winter storm](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/winter-storm.md), [renewable energy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/renewable-energy.md) ### ERCOT Gas Desk and Rising Propane Costs - **Episode:** [1421: Chuckle Tell](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1421-chuckle-tell.md) - **Published:** 2022-01-30 - **Time:** 2:07:58–2:10:40 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1421-chuckle-tell/chapter/ercot-gas-desk-and-rising-propane-costs.md ERCOT announced plans to create a "gas desk" to monitor natural gas supplies to power plants, a move some critics fear will lead to a secondary trading market similar to Enron's tactics. Meanwhile, propane prices in Texas have reportedly tripled, with a 1,000-gallon tank now costing $2,200 to fill. These increases are attributed to federal executive orders and shifts in energy infrastructure. Keywords: [ercot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ercot.md), [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), [propane](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/propane.md), [energy market](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/energy-market.md), [enron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/enron.md) ### Texas Power Grid Dispute and Winter Weather Warnings - **Episode:** [1418: Homeless Apocalypse](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1418-homeless-apocalypse.md) - **Published:** 2022-01-20 - **Time:** 2:38:22–2:40:42 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1418-homeless-apocalypse/chapter/texas-power-grid-dispute-and-winter-weather-warnings.md A legal dispute between Energy Transfer Partners and Luminant threatens the stability of the Texas power grid during winter. Energy Transfer Partners threatened to cut off gas to power plants over a $21 million debt stemming from the February 2021 storm. Luminant warned this could leave 400,000 homes without power, leading to calls for the Railroad Commission to intervene. Keywords: [texas grid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas-grid.md), [ercot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ercot.md), energy transfer partners, luminant, [natural gas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/natural-gas.md) ### Texas Power Grid, Winterization and Energy Demand - **Episode:** [1413: Flurona](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1413-flurona.md) - **Published:** 2022-01-03 - **Time:** 2:12:39–2:16:31 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1413-flurona/chapter/texas-power-grid-winterization-and-energy-demand.md As temperatures drop in Texas, concerns resurface regarding the stability of the state's power grid following the 2021 failure during Winter Storm Uri. Reports indicate that many transmission facilities have not yet corrected deficiencies. Furthermore, the Railroad Commission has not mandated winterization for natural gas producers, a process that may not be completed until 2023. Keywords: [ercot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ercot.md), [texas power grid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas-power-grid.md), [winter storm uri](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/winter-storm-uri.md), [natural gas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/natural-gas.md), railroad commission ### Texas ERCOT Grid Warnings and Enron Comparisons - **Episode:** [1367: Immunity Debt](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1367-immunity-debt.md) - **Published:** 2021-07-25 - **Time:** 2:48:22–2:50:41 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1367-immunity-debt/chapter/texas-ercot-grid-warnings-and-enron-comparisons.md Energy experts issued warnings that the Texas power grid could face critical failures this summer due to pricing caps and market manipulation. The situation is being compared to the Enron-era trading scandals in California, where energy companies restricted supply to maximize profits. Residents are being advised to prepare for potential blackouts as the state's independent grid struggles with peak demand. Keywords: [ercot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ercot.md), [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), [power grid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/power-grid.md), [energy prices](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/energy-prices.md), [enron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/enron.md) ### ERCOT Remote Thermostat Control, Smart Savers Texas - **Episode:** [1357: Quantum Supremacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1357-quantum-supremacy.md) - **Published:** 2021-06-20 - **Time:** 2:42:50–2:48:01 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1357-quantum-supremacy/chapter/ercot-remote-thermostat-control-smart-savers-texas.md Texas residents discovered that their smart thermostats were being remotely adjusted to 78 degrees by energy companies during a heat wave. The "Smart Savers Texas" program, operated by Energy Hub, allows utilities like TXU and ERCOT to control home temperatures in exchange for sweepstakes entries. Many users were unaware they had enrolled in the program until they woke up sweating. Keywords: [ercot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ercot.md), [nest](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nest.md), [smart thermostats](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smart-thermostats.md), [energy hub](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/energy-hub.md), texas heat wave ### Texas Power Grid, ERCOT and Enron Market Manipulation - **Episode:** [1356: Chest Feeding](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1356-chest-feeding.md) - **Published:** 2021-06-20 - **Time:** 6:38–11:23 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1356-chest-feeding/chapter/texas-power-grid-ercot-and-enron-market-manipulation.md Texas and California residents face warnings of rolling blackouts due to extreme heat and grid instability. The discussion centers on ERCOT's management of the Texas grid, attributing power shortages to market manipulation by hedge funds and gas plant operators rather than just weather. Historical parallels are drawn to the Enron energy crisis in California under Governor Gray Davis. Keywords: [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), [ercot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ercot.md), [power grid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/power-grid.md), [rolling blackouts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rolling-blackouts.md), [enron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/enron.md) ### Texas Legislative Bills, Bipartisan Police Defunding - **Episode:** [1347: Big Caffeine](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1347-big-caffeine.md) - **Published:** 2021-05-16 - **Time:** 2:34:01–2:37:37 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1347-big-caffeine/chapter/texas-legislative-bills-bipartisan-police-defunding.md In the Texas legislature, several high-profile initiatives—including bail reform and police defunding measures—are being sponsored by Republican lawmakers. HB 1900 and SB 23 are cited as examples of bills that challenge traditional partisan expectations. The discussion argues that the "red vs. blue" narrative is often a distraction from the fact that both parties are influenced by the same financial interests. Keywords: [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), [defund the police](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/defund-the-police.md), [ercot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ercot.md), [bail reform](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bail-reform.md), [bipartisan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bipartisan.md) ### Texas Energy Market Collapse and Windmill Futures - **Episode:** [1327: China Chopper](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1327-china-chopper.md) - **Published:** 2021-03-07 - **Time:** 1:57:47–2:00:03 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1327-china-chopper/chapter/texas-energy-market-collapse-and-windmill-futures.md The Texas energy market is facing a $16 billion crisis following the winter storm, with several companies filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The financial failure was exacerbated by windmill operators who were forced to buy energy at $9,000 per megawatt-hour to fulfill futures contracts when their own equipment froze. Keywords: [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), [ercot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ercot.md), [energy market](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/energy-market.md), [bankruptcy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bankruptcy.md), [windmills](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/windmills.md), [futures contracts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/futures-contracts.md) ### Texas Power Grid Bankruptcy, Deregulation Critique - **Episode:** [1326: Freedom Bracelet](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1326-freedom-bracelet.md) - **Published:** 2021-03-04 - **Time:** 2:06:08–2:12:30 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1326-freedom-bracelet/chapter/texas-power-grid-bankruptcy-deregulation-critique.md Multiple Texas energy firms, including Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, filed for bankruptcy following the February winter storm and subsequent price spikes. Analysts argue that deregulation and a lack of winterization incentives led to the grid's failure. The discussion suggests that a reliance on wind energy and the influence of "Green New Deal" policies left the state vulnerable compared to those maintaining nuclear and coal plants. Keywords: [ercot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ercot.md), brazos electric, [rick perry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rick-perry.md), [windmills](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/windmills.md), [deregulation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/deregulation.md), [green new deal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/green-new-deal.md) ### Texas Power Grid Failure and Coal Plant Closures - **Episode:** [1325: Leapicide](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1325-leapicide.md) - **Published:** 2021-02-28 - **Time:** 2:11:19–2:13:55 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1325-leapicide/chapter/texas-power-grid-failure-and-coal-plant-closures.md An analysis of the Texas power crisis suggests that the closure of reliable coal plants in favor of wind energy contributed to the grid's failure. Reports indicate that Austin residents had their power cut to support larger cities like Houston and Dallas during the storm. Keywords: [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), [ercot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ercot.md), [coal plants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/coal-plants.md), [wind turbines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wind-turbines.md), [rolling blackouts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rolling-blackouts.md) ### Rick Perry, Winterization Warnings, and Energy Policy History - **Episode:** [1323: Bidenista](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1323-bidenista.md) - **Published:** 2021-02-21 - **Time:** 19:47–21:46 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1323-bidenista/chapter/rick-perry-winterization-warnings-and-energy-policy-history.md Texas regulators were warned after a 2011 winter storm to winterize the state's power infrastructure, but the measures were never made mandatory due to high costs. Former Energy Secretary Rick Perry had previously advocated for more nuclear and coal power to ensure grid reliability, but faced political pushback for favoring those fuel types. Data from ERCOT indicates that nuclear and coal remained the most stable energy sources during the 2021 freeze. Keywords: [rick perry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rick-perry.md), winterization, [ercot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ercot.md), [nuclear power](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nuclear-power.md), [coal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/coal.md) ### Local Media Failures, Texas Energy Grid and Nuclear Outages - **Episode:** [1322: Dark Fate](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1322-dark-fate.md) - **Published:** 2021-02-18 - **Time:** 3:54–7:23 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1322-dark-fate/chapter/local-media-failures-texas-energy-grid-and-nuclear-outages.md Local media coverage during the Texas freeze is criticized, with KLBJ cited as the only reliable source of information while NPR and local officials remained silent. Reports indicate that one of the state's two nuclear reactors went down due to a false signal, removing three gigawatts from the grid. Political figures including Governor Greg Abbott and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are accused of using the crisis to push conflicting agendas regarding the Green New Deal and fossil fuels. Keywords: klbj, [npr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/npr.md), [ercot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ercot.md), [nuclear reactor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nuclear-reactor.md), [greg abbott](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/greg-abbott.md), [aoc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aoc.md) [Next page](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ercot.md?offset=20) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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