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Winter Storm 2021

Busted pipes, water damage, hotel bills: As power flickers on, costs loom for storm-weary Texans

Texans face a cascade of frustrations and expenses as the state tries to recover from the storm. Insurance companies are bracing for claims rivaling those after major hurricanes, and homeowners are trying to find plumbers and electricians.

Fire damage at an apartment building at The Park on Brodie Lane. Feb. 18, 2021.

Winter Storm 2021

As Texas faced record-low temperatures in February 2021 and snow and ice made roads impassable, the state’s electric grid operator lost control of the power supply, leaving millions without access to electricity. As the blackouts extended from hours to days, top state lawmakers called for investigations into the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, and Texans demanded accountability for the disaster. The Texas Tribune covered the impact of the storm in real time and continues to bring accountability coverage as officials address the issues exposed by the storm. 

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Aerial view of fire damage at an apartment building at The Park on Brodie Lane. Feb. 18, 2021.
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Economy Energy Environment Greg Abbott Texas Public Utility Commission