Since 2010, wind and solar energy have saved Texans an average of $925 million per month — almost $28 billion in total — according to a new report from IdeaSmiths. Those savings are on track to skyrocket to $11 billion this year alone as more renewables come online and fossil fuel prices continue to rise. In addition to providing stability when the state’s gas system collapsed in during “Winter Storm Uri” in 2021, the report found the increased renewables use cut carbon, SO2 and NOx pollution — especially in low-income communities and communities of color overburdened by air pollution — to the tune of tens of billions of dollars in avoided healthcare and environmental costs. Additionally, because fossil fuel plants consume massive amounts of water, over the past dozen years, renewables have saved 244 billion gallons of water in the drought-stricken region. (Dallas Morning News, Utility Dive)
