Fact Check: Renewables Not to Blame for Texas Power Price Spike

The Wall Street Journal editorial suggested wind and solar subsidies are behind rising Texas electricity costs. But a Houston Chronicle analysis of energy experts and data finds this claim misleading.

What the Experts Say

• Texas residential electricity increased ~36% since 2017, but national averages rose similarly (~24%)—indicating broad inflation influences (Houston Chronicle).
• When averaged across all sectors, Texas saw a smaller increase (~20%) than the national average (Houston Chronicle).

Key Drivers Behind Rising Bills

• Inflation and wholesale gas spikes: Fuel price increases post‑Russia/Ukraine crisis affected power costs.
• Grid investments & storm recovery: Costs are rising from rebuilding after the 2021 freeze and investing in ERCOT's backup capacity.
• Power system management: Holding reserves to prevent outages during peak demand adds to wholesale price pressure (Houston Chronicle).

What’s the Bottom Line?

Renewables are not primarily responsible for higher electricity rates in Texas. Instead, inflation, fuel cost volatility, recovery spending, and procedural grid adjustments are far more influential. In fact, removing renewables subsidies may increase costs by slowing deployment of affordable wind and solar power, experts say.

EVWorld Takeaway

For EVWorld readers, the WSJ editorial oversimplifies the issue. While grid infrastructure and energy policy are complex, blaming clean energy for higher bills misdirects the conversation. A balanced view recognizes that renewables—when paired with robust grid investment—can lead to stable, affordable power systems essential for widespread EV adoption.

Sources

• Houston Chronicle – Fact check: WSJ editorial board blames wind and solar for rising Texas power prices
• Reuters – Trump calls wind, solar bad for power grid. Texas shows otherwise.

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