TEXAS OFFICIALS SAY POWER GRID IS READY FOR SEVERE WINTER WEATHER
Texas leaders told citizens during a news conference today (Wednesday) that the power grid will hold up to harsh winter weather forecasted this weekend.
leaders hold a press conference Wednesday ahead
of severe winter weather this week.
(courtesy Office of Governor Greg Abbott)
Public Utility Commission Chair Peter Lake said the grid “is ready and reliable,” adding that several reforms have been made in the name of “prioritizing people over profits.” Electric Reliability Council of Texas President and CEO Pablo Vegas said ERCOT expects to have “sufficient generations supply to meet the forecasted demands.”
Vegas said from Thursday evening through Saturday morning, the highest demand for electricity is expected Friday morning at around 70,000 megawatts. ERCOT predicts it will have near 85,000 megawatts of supply available if all resources are performing as planned.
Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd warned residents about the cold temperatures and high winds creating “very dangerous wind chills.” He advised everyone to make plans to prepare their homes and have their vehicles ready. Warming centers around the state are posted at https://tdem.texas.gov/warm.
Lake cautioned that high winds could bring down branches and otherwise cause power outages at the local level. He said if that happens, that does not mean the state lacks sufficient generation capabilities.
Governor Greg Abbott said while there will be very cold temperatures, it should be sunny through most of the state, with not much expected in the way of precipitation.