The Indicator from Planet Money

Texas' new power grid problem

In 2021, a huge winter storm hit Texas. It caused a days-long blackout that resulted in hundreds of deaths. The Texas grid operator adopted a new policy to guard against another blackout: it would incentivize plants to keep power in reserve. The problem is: that may have caused major price spikes. Today, we make sense of the reserve policy, increased electricity prices, and the future of Texas' unique energy market. Related Episodes: ESG bans cost Texas (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000578886840">Apple Podcasts</a> / <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6xmWIBw87x52gRQcBu5q1f?si=86abc6005a414a10">Spotify</a>) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/">plus.npr.org</a>. Music by <a href="https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/">Drop Electric</a>. Find us: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money">Newsletter</a>. Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a> <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

A little show about big ideas. From the people who make Planet Money, The Indicator helps you make sense of what's happening today. It's a quick hit of insight into work, business, the economy, and everything else. Listen weekday afternoons. Try Planet Money+! a new way to support the show you love, get a sponsor-free feed of the podcast, *and* get access to bonus content. You'll also get access to The Indicator and Planet Money Summer School, both without interruptions. sign up at plus.npr.org/planetmoney