Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recently promised that state residents would have their lights on this winter after the near-collapse of the state’s electrical system back in February. Abbott was asked his thoughts on the power grid and he replied that he was confident about their power since he had signed almost a dozen laws to make it more efficient.
It was reported that the state power generators must inform the Public Utility Commission by December 1st about their winter weatherization plans. Inspections will begin in January.
The GOP governor stated he can ensure the lights will remain on and praised efforts of the natural gas industry in preparing for winter weather and cold temperatures. Abbott stated that he spoke to natural gas pipeline transmitters and discovered that they have also been performing winterization that most people are unaware of.
Abbott said their most important step is the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which is different from last year. They were reactive last year and waited until there was a crisis to summon more power. Now, they work differently. They work the days in advance to ensure they have enough to power the lights.
A winter storm struck America last February and knocked out power to over 4 million people in the state. Many people died trying to stay warm, including a 60-year-old man who was found dead in his cold home. A Houston family also died of carbon monoxide poisoning while their car sat in their garage.
