Energy Secretary Calls for More Fossil Fuel Focus to Maintain Power in Storms

Wright says climate policies have hurt grid reliability during winter weather emergencies

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright argued that a focus on renewable energy over fossil fuels has not helped Americans keep their electricity and heat on during winter storms. He advocated for a national energy strategy that prioritizes grid resilience over reducing carbon emissions, claiming that policies aimed at addressing climate change have driven up prices and reduced reliability.

Why it matters

The debate over the role of fossil fuels versus renewable energy in maintaining a reliable electricity grid during extreme weather events is a key political and policy issue, with implications for energy costs, environmental impacts, and the country's overall energy security.

The details

Wright said that during the recent winter storm that gripped much of the country, wind energy provided 40% less electricity than it had on the same days in 2025, and solar provided only 2% of energy to affected areas. In contrast, coal provided 25% more power than usual and natural gas produced 47% more. He argued that the U.S. electricity grid must be designed for peak demand during winter storms or summer heat waves, and that efforts to increase generation capacity with renewable sources are misguided.

  • During the winter storm that gripped much of the country last month, wind energy provided 40% less electricity than it had on the same days in 2025.
  • During last month's cold streak, areas that relied on wind saw lower prices.

The players

Chris Wright

The U.S. Energy Secretary who argued that a focus on renewable energy over fossil fuels has not helped Americans keep their electricity and heat on during winter storms.

Climate Power

A clean energy group that said renewable sources helped fortify energy supply during peak demand times, and that natural gas infrastructure was 'prone to freezes and mechanical failure.'

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What’s next

The proposed Constitution Pipeline, which would carry natural gas from New York state to Pennsylvania, is currently undergoing federal reviews after being revived last year.

The takeaway

The debate over the role of fossil fuels versus renewable energy in maintaining a reliable electricity grid during extreme weather events highlights the ongoing political and policy tensions around balancing energy security, environmental concerns, and consumer costs.