Texas Energy Providers Discuss Grid Reliability, Preparedness Ahead of Winter Season

Gov. Greg Abbott recently held meetings with Texas energy providers to discuss the reliability of the power grid and preparedness ahead of the winter season. The governor and energy leaders discussed the actions already taken and improvements implemented following last winter’s ice storm.

These actions include updated winter preparedness plans, ongoing meetings with plant managers and winterization of all components of the power grid which includes the implementation of insulation, heat tracing and windbreakers at power plants. Moreover, energy companies invested in additional back-up generators, dual fuel sources, permanent fuel tanks, heaters and spare parts in the past year. Several providers also discussed efforts to ensure that natural gas supply is available this winter to fuel power plants including on-site storage of natural gas and designation of natural gas facilities as critical to maintaining power during energy emergencies.

Energy providers detailed proactive communication plans for customers before, during and after potential outages, enhanced employee training, and increased coordination between the electric and natural gas industries. Abbott noted the importance of a proactive, not reactive, response to winter weather and power outages, and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to working with energy providers to ensure that resources, support and supplies are provided to customers in every situation.

“The state of Texas has taken unprecedented steps to protect our critical power infrastructure and increase power generation to ensure that our electric grid is reliable and capable of meeting demand,” said Abbott. “We will continue to work collaboratively with energy providers across the state to further improve the dependability of the grid and ensure that Texans do not face power outages like those experienced last winter.”