Plumbers and supplies to fix broken pipes are in high demand, but apartment complexes also present more difficulties than single-family homes when it comes to repairs.
Economy
Get the latest on jobs, business, growth, and policy shaping the state’s economy with in-depth reporting from The Texas Tribune.
“Please support us”: Texas’ citrus and dairy farmers urge patience as they rebuild after the winter storm
The historic winter storm wiped out most of South Texas’ citrus crop and halted dairy processing in the Panhandle for days. Consumers will likely continue seeing short-term shortages, producers say.
Analysis: Winter storm response should focus on public safety, not dollars
For lack of heat and water, people died last week — in the great state of Texas and in their own homes — who would be alive right now, had the state taken heed of recommendations made after past winter storms and blackouts.
Here’s how Texans can apply for federal help to recover from the devastating winter storm
Texas sustained between $45 and $50 billion in damage and economic loss from the storm, according to AccuWeather. So far, people in more than 100 counties can begin applying for federal assistance.
Texans blindsided by massive electric bills await details of Gov. Greg Abbott’s promised relief
Electric bills are likely to rise for everyone, experts and consumer advocates say, but some Texans on variable rate contracts have been hit with immediate, massive price spikes. Lawmakers and the governor have promised to help, but haven’t said how.
Texans confront outages, food and water needs as feds issue disaster declaration
We’re tracking the fallout from the massive winter storm in Texas, which has brought widespread power outages and transportation problems.
“One thing after another”: Rural Texans faced the same storm — with unique hardships
Last week’s winter storm was brutal for the whole state, but rural Texans faced particular hardships, like distance from helpful neighbors. And newborn calves.
Gov. Greg Abbott wants power companies to “winterize.” Texas’ track record won’t make that easy.
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.
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.
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.


