Texas power grid will withstand incoming winter storm, according to Gov. Greg Abbott
AUSTIN – The Texas power grid isn't a concern during the upcoming winter storm, according to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
During an update on Wednesday, Abbott said the power grid is very strong and that if Texans do lose power, it's because of their local provider or weather conditions, like ice or snow accumulating on a power line.
Abbott said there are more than 340 warming centers opened across Texas to help those who don't have access to heat.
Electric Reliability Council of Texas CEO Pablo Vegas reiterated Abbott, saying there is more than an adequate enough supply of power. Over the past year, ERCOT added over 10,000 megawatts of new generation, giving the grid more power than ever before, according to Vegas.
In preparation for the forecasted sleet and snow, the Texas Department of Transportation had 2,100 employees pretreating roads, according to TxDOT Deputy Executive Director Brian Barth. TxDOT will also have crews staged around the state, including near the I-20 corridor, where a mix of snow and sleet is forecasted.
Barth urged Texans not to drive, unless necessary. He also asked Texans to be mindful of crews working on the roads.
A winter storm warning was issued for most of North Texas by the National Weather Service and goes into effect 6 a.m. Thursday through 12 p.m. Friday. Other parts of North Texas remain under a winter storm watch.
A wintry mix will move into the Metroplex overnight Wednesday from the west. By Thursday morning, 2 to 4 inches of a mix of sleet and snow is in store for North Texans.
Watch Abbott's full press conference in the player above.