Following a meeting with state officials on Wednesday, Governor Greg Abbott updated the public on the impending meteorological scenario as arctic temperatures approach Texas.
‘Be ready’ was the message
Lows in the teens are anticipated for Austin during the course of Thursday night into Friday. Friday’s daytime highs are predicted to remain in the 30s before rising to the 40s on Saturday and Sunday.
The blast is not anticipated to be nearly as catastrophic as what Texas went through in February 2021, when hundreds of people perished during a prolonged power outage and a freezing temperature.
This time, it’s not expected to rain, sleet, or snow. But many people will probably still have difficulties as a result of the low weather, both in terms of staying warm and safeguarding their houses.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which oversee the state’s electrical system, “will be up and operating quite robustly,” according to Abbott.
Unlikely February 2021 Will Happen Again
“We don’t anticipate a lot of precipitation, including snow, ice, or anything else that might make life more difficult or impede travel,” according to Abbott. “The northern half of the state could have some for one or two days at most, but for the most part, this cold weather episode should be sunny.”
Texas Electricity Grid is Ready
PUC Chair Peter Lake said, “We expect to have adequate generation to fulfill demand during this full winter weather event. The grid is ready and dependable.”
According to officials, Friday morning is projected to see a peak in power consumption of close to 70,000 megawatts. However, it is anticipated that 85,000 megawatts of generating capacity would be available.
At least 200 households might be powered by one megawatt.
Don’t Blame ERCOT Power System
Don’t blame the ERCOT power system if there are localized local power outages, they said.
I do want to alert people that there will be strong winds that might knock limbs over,” Lake added. “Even if there are a few isolated outages, that does not indicate that the state or ERCOT do not have enough generation,” he said.
He advised individuals to speak with their local city officials or their electricity company in such situations.
Preparations, Emergency
Kidd advised people to buy pipe insulation materials and to be familiar with how to switch off their water supplies in the event of a pipe rupture. Please assist us in spreading the news about one of the most serious causes of preventable deaths: carbon monoxide, which is frequently caused by using generators inside or in garages.
Even though the holidays are coming up, emergency responders will be on call constantly.
24/7 staff availability is required, according to Abbott. Trust must be won, and we did so throughout this summer’s record heat wave (with no widespread blackouts). I believe trust will be earned over the next several days, and I believe we will demonstrate that we have done so.
