ERCOT

The plan would raise prices and carbon dioxide emissions, and critics say it may not bring reliability.

ERCOT says that, as a division of state government, it has sovereign immunity. Plaintiffs point out that it is also an independent nonprofit, a fact the grid operator sometimes uses to its advantage.

And advice from plumbers on how to prepare your house or apartment for low temperatures while you’re away.

Gov. Greg Abbott and other leaders say Texans should protect their homes and vehicles as large portions of the state will experience dangerously cold temperatures.

Meteorologist advises Texans to cover pipes, check in on vulnerable neighbors and pets as bitter cold settles across state.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas expects sufficient electricity generation as much of the state will plunge into frigid temperatures.

For some folks in Texas, the forecast for this week brings back unpleasant memories of the winter storm and resulting blackouts in February 2021.

The dueling approaches are coming into focus as lawmakers prepare to return to Austin for the session which begins Jan. 10.

A seasonal report from ERCOT shows the grid should hold up under normal winter conditions. But there are scenarios in which the grid operator would need to institute blackouts like it did in 2021.

The report also recommends the Public Utility Commission hire more of its own analysts rather than rely on industry and other outside groups to help make decisions that affect the entire state.

State lawmakers are discussing ways to increase electric grid reliability, but some experts say the proposed changes could hurt renewable energy without bolstering the grid.

While there have been improvements to the grid over the past year and a half, some of the root causes of the blackout are still unaddressed.