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Texas Braces for Arctic Blast as ERCOT Issues Weather Watch and Utilities Mobilize

Officials project sufficient power supply, leaving ice damage as the main risk for localized outages.

Overview

  • An arctic front is expected Jan. 24–27 with subfreezing temperatures and a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain, and the National Weather Service has posted winter storm watches for Central and North Texas.
  • ERCOT issued a Weather Watch for Jan. 24–27 citing higher demand and potentially lower reserves, yet it forecasts normal grid conditions with no energy emergency expected.
  • CenterPoint activated its Emergency Operations Center for the Houston area and says pre-winter hardening included inspections of all 270 substations, added heaters and freeze protection, and positioned CNG trucks and backup generators.
  • Oncor, Entergy, OG&E and Santee Cooper are mobilizing crews, staging equipment and continuing vegetation work to speed restoration if ice brings down lines or tree limbs.
  • Governor Greg Abbott activated state emergency resources, and officials urge Texans to sign up for TXANS and utility alerts, prepare supplies, and reduce electricity use during peak periods if requested.