The Evolution of the Electrical Market: A Texas Journey

Author

David A. Sastre Perez, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

2-2025

Document Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

M.S.

Program

Data Analysis & Visualization

Advisor

Michelle McSweeney

Subject Categories

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Keywords

RENEWABLES, TEXAS, ELECTRICAL MARKET, CURTAILMENT, GENERATION AND DEMAND, POLICY

Abstract

The journey of electricity, transitioning from a scientific marvel to an indispensable service, has profoundly shaped our society. In the landscape of the United States, the power market of Texas stands out as a unique case study and offers us a peek into a future where renewables are not only possible but integral in the energy mix. Through a series of interactive data visualizations, this project aims to expose the rapid surge in renewables and their current state. This analysis will reveal some of the selective pressures that will determine the evolution of the electrical market in Texas and the complexities driving this transformation.

The project develops in the form of a website under the name EvolvingTheGrid.com, starting with a video that immerses viewers in a real event in which the resilience of the grid got tested in 2022, during a winter storm. The video then presents relevant key facts about Texas’ role in the electric market and lists the main objectives of the project. As the narrative on the website unfolds, the story from the video reappears to illustrate curtailment of renewables. At this point, the viewer comprehends how bridging renewables with storage technologies can fade the line between fossil base load and the intermittent nature of wind and solar. In this instance, the logic of advocating towards a more balanced mix of sources to generate resilience is evident. One in which the potential of renewables gets to shine, while leveraging more efficient gas technologies when needed.

Comments

Online component: https://evolvingthegrid.com/

Recommended Citation

Sastre Perez, David A., "The Evolution of the Electrical Market: A Texas Journey" (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/6183