If TX utilities are anything like utilities in my state, while green energy was certainly a contributing factor, there were likely many others as well. For example: in the push for cleaner fossil fuel generation, generating units have become FAR more efficient but also far more fickle. Where I work we have generating units built in the 1960's and some built ~10 years ago. The new ones are much more efficient, but trip off if someone farts sideways; the old ones are not efficient but can limp along with even the most inept of operators.
Which brings me to my next point: the crews. When I started 20 years ago the performance standards and expectations of staff were pretty high. I have watched first-hand as those standards and expectations have plummeted and while there has always been deadwood, there's a lot more of it percentage-wise now than there was when I started. When things start to go wrong, even if there is a chance to correct it before units trip (a long shot to begin with for newer equipment as I mentioned above) chances are that the crew on shift won't have enough skilled employees to save things anyway.
It's not even a diversity-hire problem and Lord knows we have plenty of those; it's really a cultural "don't hurt people's fee-fees and risk getting sued over it" problem.
Add a once-in-a-century severe weather anomaly to those and any utility would be fucked.
If TX utilities are anything like utilities in my state, while green energy was certainly a contributing factor, there were likely many others as well. For example: in the push for cleaner fossil fuel generation, generating units have become FAR more efficient but also far more fickle. Where I work we have generating units built in the 1960's and some built ~10 years ago. The new ones are much more efficient, but trip off if someone farts sideways; the old ones are not efficient but can limp along with even the most inept of operators.
Which brings me to my next point: the crews. When I started 20 years ago the performance standards and expectations of staff were pretty high. I have watched first-hand as those standards and expectations have plummeted and while there has always been deadwood, there's a lot more of it percentage-wise now than there was when I started. When things start to go wrong, even if there is a chance to correct it before units trip (a long shot to begin with for newer equipment as I mentioned above) chances are that the crew on shift won't have enough skilled employees to save things anyway.
It's not even a diversity-hire problem and Lord knows we have plenty of those; it's really a cultural "don't hurt people's fee-fees and risk getting sued over it" problem.
Add a once-in-a-century severe weather anomaly to those and any utility would be fucked.