A Conceptual Model for Analyzing the Impact of Natural Gas on Electricity Generation Failure during the 2021 Texas Power Outage

Abstract

The inter-dependence between electrical grid operations and natural gas infrastructure in Texas has been steadily increasing in recent years. The trend has been driven, in part, by the persistent decommissioning of coal-fired power plants and the increasing penetration of renewable generation. Moreover, changes to the type and deployment of natural gas generation facilities over the previous decade have increased the reliance on “just-in-time” natural gas delivery which places the system at increased risk of failure. The purpose of this paper is to delineate previously under-explored drivers of natural gas system operation, present a novel conceptual framework characterizing the integrated system inter-dependencies and outline possible policy measures which would promote enhanced system reliability.