Retroactively equipping power plants to withstand cold temperatures is likely to be very difficult and costly, energy experts say. Building energy infrastructure to perform in winter conditions is easier — and cheaper.
Economy
Get the latest on jobs, business, growth, and policy shaping the state’s economy with in-depth reporting from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Winter Storm 2021
Texas leaders failed to heed warnings that left the state’s power grid vulnerable to winter extremes, experts say
Texas officials knew winter storms could leave the state’s power grid vulnerable, but they left the choice to prepare for harsh weather up to the power companies — many of which opted against the costly upgrades. That, plus a deregulated energy market largely isolated from the rest of the country’s power grid, left the state alone to deal with the crisis, experts said.
Posted in
Winter Storm 2021
Texans no longer need to conserve energy, power grid operator says
We’re tracking the fallout from the massive winter storm in Texas, which has brought widespread power outages and transportation problems.
Posted in
Winter Storm 2021
As Texans endured days in the dark, the state failed to deliver vital emergency information
When the lights went out this week and Texans lost access to power and clean drinking water, the Texas Division of Emergency Management failed to provide accessible and life-saving updates on outages and inclement weather.
Posted in
Winter Storm 2021
How to help and get help in Texas as the winter storm causes power outages
Local organizations are providing warming shelters and resources, while nonprofits are asking for donations and volunteers.
Posted in
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.
Posted in
Winter Storm 2021
Analysis: A winter storm leaves Texas with a black eye
The Texas government’s failures in the face of a winter storm have been very hard on Texans, and could do lasting damage to the state’s reputation.
Posted in
Winter Storm 2021
Texas power outages: Nearly half the state experiencing water disruptions as power grid operator says it’s making progress
We’re tracking the fallout from the massive winter storm in Texas, which has brought widespread power outages and transportation problems.
Posted in
Winter Storm 2021
Freezing temperatures are dangerous for homeless people. Shelters are urging Texans to come in off the streets.
Advocates and social workers say there’s enough capacity at warming centers and shelters to ensure no one will be turned away.
Posted in
Guides
Texplainer: Why does Texas have its own power grid?
Basically, Texas has its own grid to avoid dealing with — you guessed it — the feds. But grid independence has been violated a few times over the years — not even counting Mexico’s help during blackouts in 2011.
