Friends,

This week, I outlined what led to the power outages across Texas that we experienced this week and provided helpful resources for our community during this difficult time. Please reach out to my offices if you need help - I have a full team in Texas and in the nation's capital ready to assist you.

Sincerely,

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WHAT HAPPENED IN TEXAS

Some background on the Texas blackouts.
Was it wind turbines? Was it gas plants? Whose fault was it? Let's examine this.

CLICK HERE OR THE IMAGE ABOVE TO WATCH

HELPFUL RESOURCES

ERCOT UPDATE

I spoke directly with ERCOT and they are working tirelessly to get more power back on the grid. If you have power, use it minimally. This makes it easier to get power back to your neighbors who don't have it.

The grid itself is stable. Once we get power sources up and running to meet demand, it will flow out quickly.

UTILITY CONSERVATION

From the City of Houston

Water

Houston’s water and wastewater systems are experiencing low pressure. To help maintain water pressure in the system during this winter weather event, please use water only for essential tasks and help conserve water by not running washing machines, dishwashers, or watering outdoors.

Once temperatures rise above freezing and power is restored, these are the best ways to thaw frozen water pipes:

Open cabinet doors to circulate heat
Use hair dryers, heat lamps or portable space heaters
DO NOT USE open flames and/or propane torches (fire hazard)
Continue to conserve water after pipes have thawed.

Energy

Houstonians among with all of Texas are experiencing power outages. Houston OEM is urging everyone to conserve as much energy as possible. Power outages are expected to continue throughout Monday and Tuesday.

Conserve energy by:

Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances; and avoid using large appliances (e.g. ovens, washing machines, etc.).
Turn down thermostats to 68 degrees or lower
Open blinds and shades to take advantage of the sun's natural heat during the day
Close shades and blinds at night to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.
We urge all residents to conserve resources such as electricity and water.

During ERCOT rotating outages this is what you can expect:

Depending on the severity of the power generation shortfall, rotating outages may impact customers more than once.
CenterPoint Energy will continue these rotating outages until it receives direction from ERCOT that the electric supply in Texas has stabilized and can resume normal operations.

FEATURED ARTICLES

Houston Chronicle: Mass water distribution begins today at Houston's Delmar Stadium

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Houston residents can get free bottled water Friday at a mass distribution event at Delmar Stadium.

The drive-through distribution will begin at 10:30 a.m., an hour earlier than initially scheduled, at 2020 Mangum Road in northwest Houston, according to city officials. The event was moved up due to overwhelming demand.

The Texas Tribune: How to help and get help in Texas as the winter storm causes power outages

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Millions of Texans lost power, water or essential services during a winter stormthat led to freezing temperatures and hazardous road conditions throughout the state.

City officials, local outreach teams and other organizations are providing warming shelters and support for people seeking help. Many nonprofit organizations are also asking for donations so they can help people experiencing homelessness or those who are in need of support. Here’s a list of the resources being offered.

Today News: How to help those affected by the winter storm and power crisis in Texas

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

The power is slowly coming back on in Texas on Friday, but the catastrophic effects of the state's worst winter storm in decades are still being felt.

Millions were without power for days amid single-digit temperatures, with many people posting photos and videos on social media of bursting pipes, icy home interiors and furniture being burned for heat.

More than 12 million residents have also had their water service affected, with many water systems issuing notices for residents to boil their water. That has also resulted in grocery stores with long lines and few bottles of water remaining on the shelves.

Here are ways you can help in Texas...

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