The Week the Lights Went Out in Texas

Abstract

In previous issues this journal has reported on the need for modernization of the electricity grid and investments in innovation and cleaner distributed energy technologies as critical components of a resilient grid, particularly as states and cities across the country are setting aggressive climate mitigation and decarbonization goals. With increasing frequency society is living through catastrophic weather events, including more frequent and damaging hurricanes and tornadoes, polar vortexes and widespread blizzards with subzero temperatures, forest fires followed by torrential rains and flooding, and record‐setting heat indexes and drought. Natural gas and electric utilities work across the country to monitor weather closely and work hand‐in‐hand with weather forecasters, local Emergency Response Offices, be they state and/or municipal, preparing in advance for severe weather events. Utilities are adept and efficient at entering “storm response mode” – to prepare the electricity grid and ensure utility crews are on hand and at the ready to restore power as quickly as possible to its customers. State and federal regulators require this, and if utilities fail in preparation or response, they can face significant penalties and fines and in some instances potentially lose their franchise operating license. While it is rare to lose a franchise, threats are often made by political leaders when frustrations boil over and constituents are completely frustrated with a utility's response.