As Texas enters another potential blackout season, it’s time to reconsider our reliance on large energy providers and explore alternatives. The prolonged power outage in February 2021 brought national attention to the failures of the state’s power grid, which was unable to handle the skyrocketing demand during extreme weather conditions. Millions of Texans were left without heat or electricity for days.
In the aftermath, traditional utility companies and elected officials, including Governor Greg Abbott, missed the opportunity to provide support, often misplacing the blame for the outages on alternative energy sources. This leaves many Texans not just powerless but also frustrated.
As we near the second anniversary of these widespread outages, it’s becoming evident that these issues aren’t isolated. Even during “normal” summer days, state authorities frequently urge residents to conserve power and warn of potential brownouts. The conventional utility grid is struggling to meet modern demands and adapt to changing weather patterns.
A Smart Solution to a Pressing Issue
Freedom Solar Power has collaborated with Austin-based agency CALLEN to launch the “Be Most Powerful” campaign, aiming to highlight how Texans can achieve energy independence. This creative initiative encourages individuals to take charge of their energy needs rather than relying on large utility companies.
The campaign creatively depicts Texans responding to the dreaded text notifications regarding rolling blackouts. The humorous exchanges envision a frustrated Texan retorting to ERCOT’s power shortage warnings by asking, “Is this a joke?” and labeling it a “scam.”
As discontent with big energy providers grows, more Texans are turning to alternatives like Freedom Solar.
Embrace Solar Energy
“We want to highlight the absurdity of the situation,” said Bret Biggart, CEO of Freedom Solar. “Texans can’t depend on the grid, which often leaves them vulnerable during severe weather. With solar energy and backup batteries, they can disregard those inconvenient ERCOT alerts and continue their lives. Solar power is the solution, and it’s time we all acknowledge it.”
The crisis caused by Winter Storm Uri in February 2021 marked a significant turning point for Texas. The unprecedented heat and energy demand overwhelmed the state’s power grid, resulting in millions losing access to electricity and water amidst sub-freezing temperatures for nine days. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the storm claimed 246 lives across 77 counties, with victims ranging from infants to those as old as 102.
Over the last two years, discussions around energy reliability in Texas have intensified, with many homeowners and business owners recognizing solar energy as a viable solution for providing power during blackouts and mitigating rising energy costs.
Despite claims from state officials that they have improved the grid, ERCOT, which oversees 90% of Texas’s electricity load, continues to issue warnings about potential outages.
Managing Costs and Future Charges
In addition to the existing challenges, Texas consumers now face new monthly surcharges related to the securitization of losses incurred by major power companies during the storm. These additional charges are expected to remain on bills for decades, and further surcharges may be added. Multiple lawsuits against ERCOT concerning these storm-related costs may drag on for years, with consumers potentially liable for any financial penalties imposed on ERCOT by the courts.
The “Be Most Powerful” campaign kicked off with statewide TV and digital advertisements, coinciding with the anniversary of the 2021 freeze during a time when Texans are most reminded of those painful blackout warnings.
At Freedom Solar, our mission is to empower individuals. With solar energy, homeowners and businesses can take control of their electricity needs, reducing their reliance on major energy companies and enhancing their energy independence.