[txlpo78]

> although the interconnect bandwidth was fully utilized, we need solid data on whether the neighboring states facing similar struggles could spare significantly more capacity. If not, then having more interconnect bandwidth would not have helped much. If they had power to spare, then the interconnects were indeed a problem.

As a data point: the interconnects were not fully utilized, as the Eastern DC tie had to be severed yesterday because power emergencies in the Eastern US meant that grid had no electricity to spare.

[edbob]

Thank you for that data. Your other comment is very helpful too[0], although I look forward to seeing some good hard data. I've been a bit spoiled by how much detailed data ERCOT provides.

[0] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26187282

[reportingsjr]

Can you provide a source for that?

[gwoplock]

If I'm reading http://www.ercot.com/content/cdr/html/real_time_system_condi... right there is no power across the DC_L (Laredo VFT), DC_R (Railroad) and DC_S (Eagle Pass) HVDC ties.

for posterity:

  DC Tie Flows  
  DC_E (East)  -595  
  DC_L (Laredo VFT)  0  
  DC_N (North)  -218  
  DC_R (Railroad)  0  
  DC_S (Eagle Pass)  0

[txlpo78]

For reference, the Laredo, Railroad, and Eagle Pass ties are all connections to Mexico’s power grid. They’ve been at zero most of this week because Mexico is also dealing with major power outages along the border, and so they don’t have any electricity to share.

The North tie connects to the Western US grid in Oklahoma, while the East tie connects to the Eastern US grid near the border with Arkansas/Louisiana. They’ve been fluctuating between 0-600 this week depending on how much power has been available on those grids.

[txlpo78]

http://www.ercot.com/news/releases/show/225369

> the Midwest went into a power emergency of their own, and ERCOT was no longer able to import approximately 600 MW.

[slenk]

It feels like people are blaming other networks for needing their planned-for emergency capacity and not dropping everything for TX

[snowwindwaves]

People are attacking texas' less interconnected system for being "independent" and others are pointing out more interconnections from places with no power to spare would not have helped.

[hayst4ck]

Assuming there is a planned extra capacity/planned expected failure rate/additional set of regulations and guidelines, its not mainly the literal "connectedness" of the grids, but the "independence" part that is being attacked, specifically being independent from federal oversight.