Claims that renewable energy threatens the stability of the US power grid is ludicrous

A common argument heard in North Dakota is the need to maintain coal-fired power plants because of their ability to provide the basic baseline power needs of the electrical grid. That we would attach ourselves to arguments that defend an industry important to our state is not surprising; I would say it’s a natural reaction. There is another perspective, though. This commentary from Quartz defends the modernization of the power grid away from coal to one that’s more responsive to immediate changes. Perhaps we should have a contingency plan in place for our coal-dependent communities just in case there is a sea change in the power generation industry.