Texas power outages continue during winter weather

February 18, 2021   By Save On Energy Team

Texas power outages continue during winter weather

This week has been anything but easy for millions of Texas households. As severe winter weather and freezing temperatures hit the Lone Star State, more than 4 million experienced power outages.

ERCOT has been working to restore electricity across the Texas grid, but the cold weather meant a huge spike in energy demand. This increased demand soon surpassed the available electricity supply. To combat this, ERCOT began rotating power outages across the Lone Star State.

As of Thursday, February 18, about 640,000 Texans are still without power. While this is a significant amount of people, it is far lower than the millions of households originally experiencing power outages. However, ERCOT warned in a press statement that rotating outages may continue for the coming days.

The weather in Texas should improve

Across the state, millions of Texans are still seeing below or near-freezing temperatures. Dallas remains under a hard freeze warning with a temperature of 32 degrees. Meanwhile, Houston temperatures have risen slightly to 36 degrees.

According to The Weather Channel, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for Texans exhausted from the freezing temperatures. Meteorologists predict the state will see warmer temperatures by Saturday, February 20.

Tips for when the power goes out

If you are experiencing a power outage, here are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your home:

  • Safely unplug your devices, including your TV, computers, or large appliances. This will protect them from power surges.
  • Use flashlights instead of candles. While candles will give off some warmth, they can easily lead to a house fire if left unattended.
  • Keep your refrigerator closed. It’s tempting to peek inside and see how much food you have, but every time you open your refrigerator door, you let the cool air escape. Keep it closed for as long as you can to preserve what’s inside while the power is out.
  • Reach for your emergency kit. SaveOnEnergy advises all households to put together an emergency kit ahead of time in the event of a power outage or other event. Your home’s emergency kit should include batteries, non-perishable food and water, medical supplies, and extra clothes and blankets.