
ERCOT Issues Weather Watch
February 25, 2025If you live or run a business in Texas, you may have noticed your electricity bills creeping up—or even skyrocketing. The Texas energy market, managed by ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas), is facing some major challenges that are driving prices higher than ever.
From trade wars and supply chain issues to soaring demand from AI data centers and crypto mining, multiple factors are creating a perfect storm. The big question: What can you do to protect yourself from rising electricity costs?
Understanding the Energy Crisis in Texas
1. Trade Wars & Supply Shortages Are Driving Up Costs
The global economy is playing a bigger role in Texas energy prices than most people realize. Recent tariffs on Chinese imports have led to higher costs for energy-related materials, including those used in grid infrastructure. On top of that, new U.S. tariffs on Mexican-made transformers (Texas imports nearly half of its large transformers from Mexico) are increasing grid maintenance costs, delaying upgrades, and creating supply constraints.
What does this mean for you? Higher costs for the energy providers eventually trickle down to customers like you.
2. Soaring Demand Is Outpacing Supply
Texas is growing fast, and so is our need for electricity. Several industries are fueling this demand:
- AI and Data Centers – Large-scale AI computing requires massive amounts of energy.
- Crypto Mining – Bitcoin mining facilities consume as much power as small cities.
- Manufacturing Growth – More factories = more energy consumption.
- Population Boom – More people moving to Texas means higher residential electricity demand.
Despite adding more wind, solar, and battery storage, these renewable energy sources alone can’t keep up with demand. Since renewables are intermittent (the sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow), Texas still relies heavily on natural gas and coal, which are becoming more expensive.
3. Wild Price Swings Make Electricity Costs Unpredictable
Energy prices in Texas have become increasingly volatile. Take Winter Storm Uri in 2021, for example—wholesale electricity prices skyrocketed to $9,000 per megawatt-hour (MWh), causing billions in costs and financial disaster for many customers.
More recently, while a surge in solar and battery capacity helped reduce peak summer prices from $332/MWh in 2023 to $80/MWh in 2024, these dips are rare. Experts agree that the long-term trend is upward, meaning waiting for cheaper rates might be a risky gamble.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?
If your electricity contract is expiring in the next 6–12 months, locking in a fixed-rate plan now is your best bet. Here’s why:
1. Lock in Lower Rates Before They Rise
Nearly all market indicators suggest that electricity prices will continue climbing. By securing a contract now, you can avoid potential price spikes and budget with confidence.
2. Avoid the Risk of Paying More Later
Even if prices dip slightly in the short term, those dips are usually temporary. The risk of rates increasing in the next 12 months is much higher than the chance of them dropping significantly.
3. Get Price Stability in an Unpredictable Market
Instead of gambling with month-to-month variable pricing, a fixed-rate plan locks in your rate and shields you from market volatility.
4. Work With a Trusted Energy Advisor
Not sure where to start? Working with an energy broker can help you navigate the market and secure the best rate available today. An expert can analyze your usage, compare offers from different providers, and ensure you don’t overpay.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
The window of opportunity for favorable energy pricing may be closing fast. As summer approaches and global trade tensions continue, prices could jump even higher with little warning.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Now is the time to explore your options and lock in the best rate available.
Get a free electricity quote today! Call us at 877-631-8875 or visit www.AmerigyEnergy.com to secure your rate before prices rise.
By acting now, you’ll gain price certainty and peace of mind in an uncertain market. Don’t let volatility catch you off guard—take control of your energy costs today!