Texas largely relies on natural gas — especially during times of high demand — to power the state. Experts say natural gas infrastructure, from pumping it out of the ground to the plants in city centers, was unprepared for the plunging temperatures brought by the winter storm.
Energy
In-depth reporting on oil, gas, renewable power, and policies shaping the future of energy in Texas from The Texas Tribune.
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Winter Storm 2021
2 million Texas households without power as massive winter storm drives demand for electricity
Some utility companies that deliver electricity to Texans are telling customers to expect power outages through Monday night and potentially into Tuesday.
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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.
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Winter Storm 2021
Photos: Texans face an ice storm that’s left millions of people without power
An arctic blast barreled though Texas over Valentines Day weekend. Temperatures plummeted and ice and snow blanketed the entire state, leaving millions of people without electricity. Texas Tribune photographers fanned out across the state to record the historic cold snap. Here’s what they saw.
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Winter Storm 2021
Texas’ grid operator warns rolling blackouts are possible as winter storm escalates demand for electricity
Temporary power outages, which would last around 10 to 45 minutes, are a last resort, officials say. The peak demand for power is expected to exceed the all-time record.
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TribCast
TribCast: Ken Paxton’s legal woes continue
On this week’s TribCast, Matthew speaks with Kate, Karen and Mitchell about Attorney General Ken Paxton’s latest legal problems, the vaccine rollout and the politics of energy in Biden-era Texas.
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Climate Change in Texas
Texas House Democrats launch climate, environment caucus with one goal: Talk about climate change in the Legislature
The climate, environment and energy caucus aims to start a conversation in the Legislature on how Texas can prepare for climate change and take advantage of the transition to cleaner energy sources.
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Energy
West Texas is on track to get even more nuclear waste — thanks to the federal government
A hazardous waste disposal company in Andrews County wants to handle more dangerous levels of nuclear waste. Federal agencies are pondering new rules that could allow more of it to come to Texas.
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COVID-19 Recession in Texas
Texas lawmakers have denounced Joe Biden’s energy moves, but experts say they could benefit the state
A global push toward a cleaner climate and safer environment — from the free market and not just the White House — has not kept Texas lawmakers from criticizing the new president.
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Energy
Oil and gas cleanups are on Biden’s agenda. Will Texas embrace it?
Some areas of Texas could benefit from Biden’s federal directive to accelerate cleanups of legacy oil and gas, mining and hazardous waste contamination.