Overview
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright said natural gas, coal and nuclear supplied the vast majority of electricity during the storm’s most severe hours, as DOE issued emergency waivers to let plants exceed certain limits to avert blackouts.
- Operator data show oil and dual‑fuel generation surged during peak demand in the Northeast, reaching roughly 35% of total generation in ISO New England and 44% in New York’s market.
- ISO New England snapshots indicate that during key hours, renewables were a small share of the mix and much of that came from wood and refuse‑derived fuel, which outpaced wind and solar within the region’s renewable category.
- Texas’ ERCOT reported only minor disruptions, and renewable industry analysis credits a more diversified mix that includes wind, solar and battery storage with easing costs and maintaining supply.
- Republicans cite the event to push pipeline expansions and prioritization of dispatchable power, while Democrats argue stalled permitting and blocked offshore wind constrained cleaner options, with some lawmakers urging a combined approach.