Congressional panel opens investigation into ERCOT's preparedness for winter storm
AUSTIN — A congressional oversight subcommittee is investigating the operator of Texas' electricity grid in the aftermath of last month's widespread and sustained power outages and whether it will be prepared for future devastating winter storms.
The chairman of the environment subcommittee of the U.S. House's oversight and reform panel said Wednesday the Electric Reliability Council of Texas was "well aware" the state was headed for several days of subfreezing weather accompanied by snow and ice storms but did not take needed steps to minimize power loss.
"The Subcommittee is concerned that the loss of electric reliability, and the resulting human suffering, deaths, and economic costs, will happen again unless ERCOT and the State of Texas confront the predicted increase in extreme weather events with adequate preparation and appropriate infrastructure," Congressman Ro Khanna, the California Democrat who chairs the subcommittee, said in a letter to ERCOT president Bill Magness.
ERCOT has been in the crosshairs of several Texas elected leaders, including Gov. Greg Abbott, for the breakdown of the state's self-contained electric grid over at least five days in mid-February. Nearly half of Texas' generating capacity was knocked off line as demand for power spiked. At least 4 million people went hours, and some went days, without electricity. An estimated 40 people died.
Read more: https://www.caller.com/story/news/local/texas/state-bureau/2021/03/03/ercot-under-scrutiny-us-house-oversight-subcommittee/6905891002/
(Corpus Christi Caller-Times)
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