Winter Storm Leaves Texans in the Cold: Causes and Consequences of Texas Power Outages

Image source: Jessica L. Campbell personal photo library

For two days on February 14 and 15, freezing winter weather settled over half of the continental United States. Stretching across midwestern and southern states to the Northeast, over 50 million people were expected to feel the impact. The storm carried ice, snow, and bitter cold to at least 25 states. 


The state of Texas felt the heaviest impact. Not equipped with the infrastructure or resources to prepare, the state was ravaged. The record-low temperatures are rare, so most Texans were literally left in the cold. 

Many Without Power and Water for Days


At the peak of the crisis, an estimated 4.3 million Texans were without power. The extreme cold froze power generators and natural gas lines. As a result, energy production levels began to decrease. At the same time, residents began using more power to try to combat the cold. 


The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which operates Texas’ entire power grid, had to step in to prevent massive grid failure. The growing power demand was starting to add stress to an already struggling grid. That’s why rolling blackouts were initiated. The blackouts would help conserve power statewide. 


The problem lies in the fact that ERCOT only warned residents of rolling blackouts. They should have been temporary. As some residents were still without power after 48 hours, fear and anger began to grow. 


Due to the freezing temperatures inside and out, water pipes froze or burst open. On top of statewide power outages, water shortages and outages began. For those with water, the state sent out notices to boil it before use due to the risk of dirty water.


The Storm’s Aftermath and What Comes Next


Along with the extended outages came total devastation. Unprepared for cold weather and without any heat source, many Texans were left freezing inside their own homes. The saddest consequence has been death, as at least 20 have been found dead. It could be weeks or months before the official death count is known.


Hypothermia and carbon monoxide poisoning caused most deaths so far. In addition to freezing to death, some Texans died by trying to stay warm in a running vehicle. Without heat or water, surviving is a challenge. 


As of Friday, February 19, ERCOT lifted the rolling blackouts. But by that evening, there were still over 150,000 without power. Local utility providers are still struggling to get the lights back on. On top of that, 14 million were still facing water problems on Friday morning. 160 Texas counties reported issues with their water systems. 


People are going hungry too. Because of the extended power outages, most grocery stores were forced to throw away spoiled food. Additionally, many customers packed most stores, trying to grab supplies. 


The horrific aftermath of this freak winter storm has left many Texans hopeless. In a time of havoc, leaders seem clueless and even insensitive. For example, Texas Senator Ted Cruz was criticized for flying to sunny CancĂșn, Mexico with his family while his state was freezing without power. 


During a press conference on Friday, the CEO of ERCOT admitted, “Texas can’t afford for this to happen again.”


List of U.S. food pantries:

https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank

https://www.foodpantries.org/


List of warming stations:

Texas- https://tdem.texas.gov/warming-center/

West Virginia tri-state https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/where-to-find-a-warming-center-in-the-tri-state/


Guest Written By:

Lauren M. Greeley, CO. United States https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01c8755f54344e6d4f


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