Power Play: Texas Grid Faces Winter Electricity Woes, New Report Warns

So, the North American Electrical Reliability Corp. did a study, and it's not bringing good news for Texas. They found that because we don't have enough natural gas infrastructure, the grid might struggle during the super cold winter days that are on the way.

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But it's not just Texas in trouble. The study says that almost half of the whole U.S. could have power problems this winter. They focused on Texas, specifically ERCOT, which manages our electricity. They're saying that with the upcoming cold weather, our power generators might have a tough time and could stop working in those freezing temperatures.

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Remember that big winter storm, Uri, in 2021? It was a huge deal. People suffered a lot. Some even lost their lives, and many had no power for days or weeks. It was a real mess all over Texas. That was a time when our power grid completely failed during a very tough and cold situation.


Now, ERCOT is trying to avoid a repeat of that disaster. They want to increase the power they can provide by 3000 megawatts before winter hits. Basically, that would help them handle emergencies better and make sure there's enough power for everyone. But every time we hear news like this, it's kind of worrying.

Let's hope we don't face another winter like Uri. It was tough for everyone, and I know a lot of people are still upset about what happened in 2021.

8 Steps To Winterize Your Vehicle

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2023 – 2024 Old Farmer’s Almanac Winter Weather Forecast

Gallery Credit: Mary K

A Winterization Checklist to Ready Your Home for the Cold

You can do the majority of these essential tasks on a weekend by yourself and most don’t require a lot of money to complete. Not up to the task? Hire someone handy to do it all. Whatever you decide, they're important winterization steps for all homeowners and by following them your home will be ready for winter and your family more comfortable. And, you’ll save a few bucks to boot. 

Gallery Credit: Paul Drake

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