Gov. Abbott: All sources of power in Texas have been compromised

Conservative News DailyFebruary 18, 2021

Snow covers the ground in Waco, Texas as severe winter weather conditions over the last few days has forced road closures and power outages over the state on February 17, 2021. (Photo by MATTHEW BUSCH/AFP via Getty Images)

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Texas officials gave an update on the ongoing power outages amid a historic winter storm. On Wednesday, Gov. Greg Abbott (R-Texas) said all sources of his state’s power were compromised by the freezing temperatures.

“Every source of power in the state of Texas has been compromised, whether it be renewable power, such as wind or solar,” Abbott stated. “Access to coal-generated power [and] access to gas generated power also have been compromised, whether it be with regard to systems freezing up or equipment failures.”

This came as extreme weather swept through parts of the U.S., leaving more than two dozen people dead and millions without power. Abbott noted the Lone Star State is still uncertain where power will be restored and when.

Residents help a pickup driver get out of ice on the road in Round Rock, Texas, on February 17, 2021, after a winter storm. - Millions of people were still without power on Wednesday in Texas, the oil and gas capital of the United States, and facing water shortages as an unusual winter storm pummeled the southeastern part of country. (Photo by Suzanne CORDEIRO / AFP) / The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by Suzanne CORDEIRO has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [2021] instead of [2020]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require. (Photo by SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images)

Residents help a pickup driver get out of ice on the road in Round Rock, Texas, on February 17, 2021, after a winter storm. (Photo by SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images)

“Decisions about power outages are made by either city own utilities or co-op own utilities,” Abbott added. “And it would not be any state-based entity that makes those decisions except power outages by investor-owned utilities.”

Texas’ power grid, managed by the non-profit organization the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, was hit hard by the storms. The state’s power grid is largely isolated from other major grids, which makes it difficult to import more power when there are deficits.

This is a look inside one #Texas home. It’s hard to see this and not feel some sort of way. No one should have to endure these unsafe conditions. Please visit @SpectrumNews1TX for warming center, food, and other resources. #TexasBlackout #TexasFreeze #txwx pic.twitter.com/p7DGbKCNcW

— Dr. Nicole Cross (@DrNicoleCross) February 18, 2021

The ER-COT has been accused of failing to take proper precautions in the case of major freezing weather events. Abbott said he wants a state investigation to be launched into the organization’s safety precautions and he will be pushing for stricter regulations moving forward.

We are ordering an investigation into ERCOT and immediate transparency by ERCOT. pic.twitter.com/Mt2GPlaFuE

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) February 16, 2021

In the meantime, the cold spell in Texas is expected to stretch on into the weekend.

“Cold temperatures will remain across much of the state for the next few days,” Abbott stated. “Along I-10 and north will remain freezing through Thursday night with ultracold temperatures once again on Thursday night. We should, across the state, start getting above freezing on Saturday.”