The weather is going to be freezing this Christmas weekend and people are worried if the power grid can keep the lights on this holiday. The Public Utility Commission (PUC) and The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), along with other experts, believe that we should be found. 

The PUC and ERCOT have been increasing preparedness for the upcoming winter season. Weatherization requirements, on-site spare fuel, communications between industries, and increased inspections for power plants, generators, pipelines, and transmission lines, have all been put in place. Most facilities in Texas have reported to ERCOT and the Texas Railroad Commission that they are ready for the winter season. 

ERCOT has stated that the grid will face higher-than-expected demand this coming week as the temperatures drop to single digits in the state. Other than the possibility of outside factors like falling tree limbs on power lines,  we are not predicted to have the same weather freeze, snow, ice, or conditions as we did in February 2021. Thus, that is why some experts believe that we will be fine this winter season. 

In February 2021, Winter Storm Uri froze power plants, transmission lines, and generators leading to the deaths of over 200 people and causing blackouts for millions of residents across Texas.

The reforms to the power grid over the past year have been weatherization and insulation of power plants, transmission, lines, and so on. The past summer tested the power grid as multiple times ERCOT asked Texans to conserve energy throughout the summer. And there is a chance that ERCOT could ask us to conserve power if needed. Population growth in Texas is outpacing the adage to the power supply. Under the most extreme conditions, the Texas power grid is still not ready to stand up to another Winter Storm Uri. But, we are not predicted to have that type of weather. 

Texans are still encouraged to prepare themselves and their homes for the winter weather. Tips on how to do so can be found here.

Additionally, you can keep an eye on Texas’ power grid conditions and supply here.