The moon will partially obscure the sun this Saturday, Oct. 14, creating a rare ring of light for those in its path from Oregon to Texas. While the annular eclipse is sure to be a spectacle, it will also have an unwanted effect on the already-strained Texas power grid.
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Throughout the summer, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) repeatedly asked residents to conserve power. ERCOT also gave millions in energy credits to curtail Bitcoin mining.
Solar power has helped the state withstand record-breaking demand in recent months, but the resource is vulnerable to disruptions like an eclipse. According to the ERCOT, the eclipse will impact solar power production between 10:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Central Time.
According to the Houston Chronicle, ERCOT officials said in September that they were preparing by forecasting models to reflect solar generation on the grid during the eclipse.
“We expect grid conditions to be normal,” ERCOT posted to X on Oct. 5.
The next annular solar eclipse will be visible from the U.S. in 2046. For those who are not in its path this weekend, a partial solar eclipse will be visible.