The vulnerable Texas electric grid has survived Winter Storm Heather, which brought frigid weather to the Lone Star State and snow and equally frigid temperatures to the East and Middle Atlantic states. Texans, who have become familiar with cold winter weather and searing summer heat bringing statewide blackouts, responded to pleas from the high-voltage transmission grid operator, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, known throughout the state as “ERCOT,” for conservation measures.
At a press conference last Friday (Jan. 12) hosted by ERCOT, the Public Utilities Commission of Texas, the Texas Railroad Commission (which regulates oil and gas infrastructure), and state emergency managers, Gov. Greg Abbott said, “The State of Texas is working tirelessly to keep Texans safe and warm as an extraordinarily cold weather system begins to impact our state. Texans are urged to be prepared for a multi-long period of extreme cold weather and avoid going outside until this winter storm system has passed. I also encourage motorists to stay off the roads.”