Texas power grid operator, ERCOT, issues Weather Watch through Friday due to arctic air
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Texas power grid operator is keeping a close eye on the grid as we deal with below-freezing temperatures.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, issued a Weather Watch Monday through Friday because of the arctic air. Officials say grid conditions are expected to be normal.
FULL FORECAST: Below-freezing temperatures, dangerous wind chills Monday morning
Because of that, customers need not take action. The Weather Watch is an alert ERCOT sends out to say they are aware of higher electrical demand and the potential for lower reserves.
The company said it completed pre-winter safety and readiness actions in the Houston area, including testing and inspecting critical equipment and repairing damaged insulation and waterproofing materials.
The cold conditions this week are causing some anxiety for some neighbors, including Kendra Johnson. Four years ago, her pipes burst after losing power during a winter storm.
"You're still frantic," Johnson explained. "Your nerves are still at ease being a homeowner. You are still frantic. It's up in the air. We really don't know."
A University of Houston study shows that 91% of Harris County neighbors lost power for an average of two days, and 40% of UH respondents also suffered water damage from burst pipes.
Johnson and her family know these statistics too well, which is why they're worried about this week.
"The family, we're all talking about it," Johnson said. "We're texting each other. 'It's going to get cold. Beware and wrap your pipes.'"
Energy Ogre COO David Kinchen believes this week won't be like we saw four years ago.
"That was a very bad storm, and it really checked every box for the worst possible scenario," Kinchen explained. "I don't see much overlap. Right now, if you got to ERCOT's website and look, we have plenty of reserves."
Kinchen said that over the last four years, the state has made providers winterize, increased solar, and added storage-improvements, but not enough to remove risks.
"We could say, 'Hey, we want a grid that never has a weather watch, you don't need to have constraints, and I don't want to worry about having the weather be a problem and have a really robust grid.' Well, we'd all have to pay ten times more for power," Kinchen said.
With the cold snap here, Star of Hope, which has helped people experiencing homelessness in Houston since 1907, will be working to pass out coats, hats, and blankets to the city's homeless starting at 12:30 p.m. Monday.
READ MORE: Cold weather preparations begin in Houston as officials look to safely shelter the homeless
There are an estimated 3,200 unhoused people in Houston.
Star of Hope could use your help if you have any cold-weather gear to spare. They are collecting new or gently used coats, hats, and blankets of all sizes-anything you'd use to stay warm.
You can drop off donations from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. this week at either their Lamar Street location downtown or their Reed Road location off SH-288.
Star of Hope is trying to help as many people as they can. They say both of their shelters are either at or near capacity.
SEE ALSO: More preparation may be needed for Houston area winter tornadoes, National Weather Service says
