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Jan 31, 20233 min read

This week's weather and the electrical grid


Summary: This current weather is reminding Willow Park neighbors of the 13 - 17 February 2021 Storm URI. Discover resources for weather alerts and updates and read articles about the current state of our electrical grid. For the last year ERCOT, who manages the independent Texas electrical grid that covers 90% of Texas, has assured Texas grid users that ERCOT has made the changes necessary to avoid a disaster like the February 2021 grid failure that killed hundreds and left millions without electricity and water for days. We'll see...

Latest Update: Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

Select #Tags for additional articles: #Electricity


 

This week's weather and the electrical grid

• How to know the difference between a local power outage and rolling blackouts, The Texas Tribune, 30 January 2023, Excerpts. When ERCOT calls for a rotating outage, the information will be available through several sources, a spokesperson said. This can include reports in local media, on ERCOT’s Facebook and Twitter, through the ERCOTapp and through emergency email alerts that residents can sign up for here.


Many Texans could see freezing temperatures and ice this week. The National Weather Service has forecast freezing rain, sleet or ice on roads in much of Central, North and West Texas from Monday through Wednesday morning. Other parts of the state, including the Panhandle and Coastal Plains, are expected to see freezing or below-freezing temperatures.


Each severe weather crisis might bring panic of losing power, recalling the February 2021 grid failure that killed hundreds and left millions without electricity and water for days. So far, the state’s grid leaders say they are monitoring the weather and expect to meet power demand. However, local power outages may still be possible due to local weather.


It’s easy for Texans to confuse local outages with statewide issues with the grid. But local outages and rotating outages called for by ERCOT are different. They have different causes and may last for a different amount of time.


So how do you know the difference?



• The 2021 winter storm caught Texans by surprise. Here’s how to prepare this year. The Texas Tribune, 10 January 2022, Excerpts. With the height of the winter season approaching, here are some tips to prepare an emergency kit, protect your home and stay informed.

Here’s what you need to know

• Have a winter kit on hand

• Prepare your home

• Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning

• Sign up for emergency alerts: Major phone providers participate in the federal wireless emergency alert system, which enables federal, state and local authorities to broadcast alerts to mobile devices. Checking the settings on your phone can ensure you have these alerts turned on. They are often labeled “Government Alerts” or “Emergency Alert Messages.”


Willow Park Civics Research

  • WPC Blog > Electricity and ERCOT, updated, 20 January 2023

  • WPC Blog > Texas Power Grid Still Vulnerable, 09 November 2023

  • WPC Blog > TX Power Grid Reports Forecast Fall Expectations, 09 September 2022

  • WPC Blog > Texas Power Grid Passes Summer Tests, 05 October 2022

  • Winter Storm URI, Texas A&M > The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). Winter Storm Uri dumped record amounts of snow on Texas, with the frigid temperatures and severe weather impacting all 254 counties in the state in February 2021. Millions of Texans lost power. Snow and ice paired with ultra-low temperatures caused widespread road closures and dangerous travel conditions. State emergency management leaders activated warming centers in communities across Texas and numerous personnel were deployed to assist stranded motorists and conduct welfare checks. Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for all 254 counties in the state.


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