Governor Abbott Said Texas is Better Prepared For This Season's Winter

Governor Greg Abbott and Caline CEO Thad HillPhoto byX (Twitter)

Over the past several years, Texas has experienced some cold winters. A few times residents have lost power in their homes. This year, Governor Greg Abbott said the Electrical Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT is better prepared than in previous years. 

Governor Abbott said according to a press release on December 14:

“The bottom line is Texans need more electrical power. We have a collective responsibility to make sure that we provide the power and electricity to support our growing state by adding new, reliable power plants like this one from Calpine.” 

“ERCOT, PUC, and power generators are better prepared this winter than ever before because I signed over a dozen laws to ensure they have the tools and strategies needed to generate more power and make our grid more reliable and resilient. This Freestone Energy Center expansion will ensure that reliable power is available in Texas no matter the weather, and I thank Calpine for choosing to expand their Freestone County facility."

Joining Governor Abbott was ERCOT President and CEO Pablo Vegas and Calpine CEO Thad Hill. Calpine is the largest generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources.

Calpine CEO Hill said according to ABC 13:

"In regards to the winter, I want to assure everybody that we are ready." 

Of course, there are still some concerns from residents.

Homeowner Mary Baker said according to ABC 13:

"I don't expect it, but that was a surprise, and I could be surprised again."

Last winter, power went out in north Texas as mentioned by CBS News.

Dallas NBC 5 reported that ERCOT has raised alarms about possible power outages this winter. 

Governor Abbott added according to ABC 13:

"Texans should know, as we approach January and February, it's going to get colder, and Texas and the grid are better prepared than we've ever been." 

Do you think there will be power outages this winter?