HOUSTON – Winter is here, and Texas is experiencing some of the season’s coldest temperatures.
With power outages becoming increasingly common during inclement weather, H-E-B has turned to microgrids to keep their stores operational. Climate Central reports there were 210 outages in Texas between 2000 and 2023, highlighting the importance of reliable backup power.
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According to Enchanted Rock, H-E-B’s energy provider for handling outages, the San Antonio-based grocery chain started investing in natural gas-powered microgrids in the Houston area around 2016.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas defines a microgrid as a smaller electric grid with interconnected generators and loads, capable of operating independently during outages.
This technology helps grocery stores avoid disruptions that can lead to significant losses, especially for products requiring refrigeration at specific temperatures, some as low as sub-zero. Enchanted Rock estimates that the value of such products at a single store can range from $400,000 to $900,000.
H-E-B began its partnership with Enchanted Rock in 2016, covering 45 stores, and has since expanded to more than 60 locations, according to Chron.
The use of microgrids isn’t unique to H-E-B. Buc-ee’s and the University of Texas at Austin have also implemented them. The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas reports that UT Austin operates the largest non-military microgrid, with a capacity of 146 megawatts.
It’s unclear whether H-E-B plans to expand microgrids to its San Antonio locations. KSAT reached out to the company for comment but has not received a response.
