Back-of-theenvelope math Demand cannot exceed supply Weather-related energy crises in California and Texas last summer and winter are a consequence of a situation in which demand exceeded supply. A combination of events — an extreme heat wave and prolonged windy conditions in California and bitterly cold temperatures and ice storms in Texas — drove up demand and kneecapped supply as production systems were knocked offline. Rolling blackouts were instituted to prevent collapse of the grid. The loss of power had devastating effects: The Houston Chronicle estimates that nearly 200 people lost their lives during the storm, most of them from hypothermia, and frozen pipes caused untold millions of dollars in property damage.
Looking forward As renewable energy technology advances, more of these sources can be added to the grid and to Buckeye Power’s portfolio of generation. Buckeye Power remains committed to an all-of-the-above generation strategy, which includes renewable resources, natural gas, and the coal-fired Cardinal Power Plant. Above all, we remain committed to providing our consumer-members with safe, reliable, affordable electricity.
This month’s article is the first of a four-part series on energy generation. Coming up: August: Buckeye Power’s generation sources September: Environmental controls at Cardinal Power Plant October: OurSolar II initiative
6 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2021
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al produces To match what Cardin on an annual basis:
r panels 45 square miles of sola town!
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Cincinnati or Clevela Land area larger than
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