Infrequent zero-degree Fahrenheit Texas Winter weather brought the Texas power grid to its wobbly knees. My home in Frisco, Texas (just North of Dallas) suffered a 36-hour continuous total outage with zero (0 F.) degree outdoor temperatures.
My home is total electric (100%) with no other energy source. When indoor temperature dropped to 50 degrees F. we were forced to abandon home. I was in total panic of water system freeze and extreme property water damage due to frozen water pipes.
Faucets were left dripping but no assurance of the home not going below 32 degrees for an extended period and total water freeze occurring. This would severely damage the home structure and most of the contents. I did not sleep well away from home. Warm but not comfortable at my daughter’s (Shel) home in Plano, TX.
Power was restored after 36 hours and first report from my son Steven (who immediately went to the house to inspect) was the house had no broken water pipes or visible damage. Indoor temp was 50 degrees and heat on when he arrived. No clue how cold it got inside but likely 40 to 45 or so degrees.
I was suffering severe anguish over what may have happened overnight. We were very lucky and thankful our home is a SIP (Structural Insulated Panel) with 12-inch sidewalls and 12-inch insulated roof attic filled with structural foam insulation. A very high R-Factor best for electrically heated homes. But we also have a very large glass surface exposed North which is a high loss surface.
We pulled through by vacating the cold residence, experiencing much discomfort and anxiety about leaving, but receiving no property damage during our absence. Our daughter’s home was warn and has experienced NO power outage. Our son (in McKinney, TX) is still experiencing ongoing rolling 50/50 blackouts at his home. The very worst may be over but the weather and power problems will continue to the end of the week.
Many Texas homes will or are not so lucky. My kids have friends that suffered frozen pipe damage just as I imagined for my home. The unlucky ones.
I think this event ventures into extreme negligence and perhaps criminal intent to permit the Texas power network capacity and management to fall this far behind worst case electrical power needs for the state of Texas. Poorly attempting a rolling blackout that did and could not work. Over selling network capacity (Like over booking an airline flight) where some people must be deliberate losers. Zero public communications on what was happening. The list of management and equipment faults is long.
I would be suing for damages if I suffered any property loss. I have seen no reports but there could also be loss of life involved with this widespread obvious negligence. Some deaths were reported from carbon monoxide. No details reported how or why (more cover-up?). Certainly desperate attempt to stay warm.
Yes, it is a rare cold weather occurrence for Texas but one that can easily be foreseen, as it has happened before. Worst case planning can allow inconvenience and execute properly functioning rolling blackouts. BUT, non-accidental human managed long period power outage in sub-zero (F) conditions is unacceptable. Such action is total incompetence to plan and execute professional grade power management.
Texas can and must do better electrical power management. Today we cannot trust our homes and lives to “Total Electrical Energy” systems. It is far from a dependable energy resource for Texans.
~Dan Kautz, CEM, BEP, CSDP
Your state power problems have been a topic of discussion here in Ohio since Monday. Not only were the power problems discussed but also the lack of preparations or planning for extreme weather conditions.
History has taught us that this is an ever changing world. We all need to rethink how we do things and plan for the unexpected. We Ohioans feel your pain and pray for our Texas friends.
Texas governor Greg Abbott came on TV with the exact same comments I expressed. I thought he was reading my script. Surely we will see some severe adjustment (in the proper direction) from this tough experience. https://news.yahoo.com/texas-governor-blamed-renewable-energy-150329586.html
I am a friend of Shelly’s. I too have suffered no power outages at all, which I am grateful for as I have a pool and would have certainly have cracked pipes, possible ruined pump motor an maybe even a cracked filter. I read if you live in the same grid as a hospital, first responders, or police station you would not lose power. I live about a half mile from a fire station with an ambulance and I think that is why I never lost power. My son however with a four year old and two year old are not so lucky. Their electricity is off more than on. But I think there are many not so very lucky. I have a friend whose high school friend’s wife died due to no electricity. Also another’s 92 year old mother cannot get dialysis because of no electricity and no water at the hospital. I am sure there are others that suffer and may die. I think it is total incompetence on The part of ERCOT. I hope some or all of their heads will roll.
Hi Donna, Yes, I know who you are. This is not over and still ongoing. Now I hear there is a potable water management crisis. A severe weather event yes, but the disaster is entirely ERCOT with their collective heads buried in the sand. The disaster can be nothing but incompetent planning and management. My Steve has been rolling about 50/50 on/off for three days. Hope your family gets through OK.