New ERCOT CEO wants to restore public trust. But at what cost to consumers?
ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas says reforms put in place after the deadly winter storm will keep our lights on and help re-earn the public's trust. But ERCOT"s independent marker monitor warns the changes made to how we get power will dramatically increase our bills.
ERCOT names new CEO. What challenges lie ahead for Pablo Vegas.
Vegas' base salary will be $999,000 with a compensation package close to $7 million over six years. His challenge will be building a grid with more energy reserves, more resilient in extreme conditions and more reliable.
ERCOT needs to acknowledge climate change is putting strain on power grid, activists say
Top Texas energy officials discussed the conditions that put the power grid in jeopardy twice this week. They got an earful from activists who say not enough is being done.
Call for Texans to conserve electricity helped avoid rolling blackouts, ERCOT says
ERCOT wanted people to start conserving power around 2 p.m. Monday afternoon. In the five minutes leading up to that hour, about 500 megawatts of load dropped off the grid — enough to keep the agency from issuing tougher measures like rolling blackouts.
Summer heatwave will test Texas power grid's capacity, experts say
The next few days will put the state's power grid to the test. Experts say it's a good idea to keep extra batteries and ice on hand through this latest heat wave.
PUC creates map of Texas critical resources to prevent major power outages
State emergency management officials will use the map during weather emergencies and disasters to pinpoint the location of critical electric and natural gas facilities and emergency contact information for those facilities.
Allen business gets $82,000 electric bill for service related to 2021 winter storm
Small business owners in Allen are receiving massive bills for electricity from a time period when millions of Texans had no power.
Texas Senate committee holds meeting over reliability of state power grid
Both Democrats and Republicans in a Texas Senate committee agreed there needs to be more oversight of the oil and gas industry. The concerns were about the role natural gas providers played during last year's deadly winter storm disaster.
Fort Worth marks anniversary of deadly 133-car pileup on icy I-35W
A small private ceremony was held Friday to honor the victims, survivors and first responders involved in a deadly pileup on an icy I-35W a year ago.
2021 Texas Winter Storm: A look back and a look ahead
As we prepare for the first ice and snow event of 2022, state leaders insist we are better prepared than one year ago. FOX 4's Blake Hanson has a look back at what caused the deadly power outages and a look ahead to what Texas is doing to prevent it from happening again.
Some natural gas suppliers offline as ERCOT prepares for winter weather
ERCOT says power plants are ready for this week's winter weather and freezing temperatures. But there are questions about whether natural gas — which powers the power plants — is ready. And we're learning there may already be problems ahead of the winter weather.
ERCOT gives final winterization report with first real test expected later this week
In the fallout of the deep freeze last February in Texas, winterization is now mandatory for power generators. ERCOT has given its final winterization report. The first test for the winterized grid will be later this week. Lows will be in the 20s in North Texas and peak demand is expected Friday.
Insurance companies sue ERCOT over damage from February's winter storm
This lawsuit by dozens of insurance companies alleges ERCOT is responsible for the power failure last year and claims it could have been prevented.
Texas DSHS reports higher death toll from February winter storm
28 of those deaths were reported in Travis County, the second-highest countywide death toll, only behind Harris County.
After inspection, ERCOT claims Texas power grid ready to handle severe winter weather
ERCOT said the Texas power grid is ready to handle a major cold snap this winter.
Texas Public Utility Commission approves more changes to power grid, but some remain concerned
The Texas Public Utility Commission approved more changes to the state power grid in hopes of preventing future blackouts.
Questions remain as Texas Public Utility Commission considers changes
PUC officials have said they have confidence the lights will stay on this winter after several recent changes, but some energy experts have their doubts.
8 companies miss deadline to file winter weather readiness reports
The Public Utility Commission of Texas is recommending more than $7.5 million in administrative penalties for those eight companies.
ERCOT to inspect 300 power plants for winterization
The agency responsible for most of the Texas power grid is promising to inspect power plants to make sure they are prepared for severe winter weather.
Texas regulators pass rule to prevent natural gas producers from having power cut during future winter storms
The agency that regulates oil and gas in Texas is making it harder for companies to get around winterizing requirements. In spite of that and a lot of political promises, experts say the state is still not prepared for another major winter freeze.