Newer smaller, more efficient windmills have been developed. Norway has some for instance, made entirely of aluminum so they can be recycled. One was recently invented that is 8' tall and 25' long that looks like a wall. It has vertical spinners that combine and produce enough electricity to power a home where windy conditions are prevalent. Not that big. Aluminum and not unsightly. It is coming whether you guys like it or not. And yes, backup generators will have to be in the system.
Don't know about Texas, but The Southern Company, which owns Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf coast Power, and Mississippi Power have been, in the last few years upgrading their stuff. Replacing transformers, poles, and especially clearing trees away from their power lines. They are also building the first nuclear plant since the 1970's south of Atlanta. Natural gas generators have replaced most coal fired plants down here. Some solar has been installed. No windmills as there can be times of no wind in the deep south.
System depends on where you are.
Just looked up Alabama's power production:
32% from nuclear, 16% from coal, 9% from hydro, 2% from biomass (crushed peanut hulls made into wood pellets), 2% from solar, 49% from natural gas. Alabama produces so much power 32% is exported to neighboring states. Most coal has been switched to natural gas to cut down on smog and CO2 production. Only wind worth trying is along the coast and the highest mountain areas of the north, but not worth the cost for minimal wind.
I am not against wind or solar, but I have argued with some on the extremist side and told them why we have to have backup generation like gas or nukes to maintain continuous service. In theory wind and solar could do it all with giant battery backups, but not in reality. The batteries are expensive and prone to overheating and causing fires. Sometimes the wind don't blow. Sometimes you have an extreme winter. Sometimes the sun don't shine. Compromise can be achieved if people would work together.
I know there is no drilling in the Gulf of Mexico along the Florida coast because they didn't want tourist looking out over the beaches and seeing oil rigs. Same with wind. Coastal areas have a lot of wind, but again, like you said above, you think windmills are ugly. Well, maybe make them float further out. Most farmers and ranchers don't mind a big windmill on their property. Sometimes to give the power companies rights, they get free electricity.
As far as vehicles, Alabama has 6 Tesla charging stations. A supercharger (45 minutes) is at the mall in my hometown. They all follow along the interstates. So far Tesla has built charging stations all over the US, and will allow other companies to use their chargers (for a fee). Electrics are coming, slower without government mandates.
