89º
    • News
    • Watch Live
    • Local News
    • Defenders
    • Crime
    • Courts
    • Vote 2022
    • Texas
    • Border
    • SAQ
    • Education
    • Consumer
    • Behind the Kitchen Door
    • Data
    • Health
    • National
    • World
    • Solutionaries
    • Trust Index
    • News App
    • Weather
    • Traffic
    • Pollen
    • Alerts
    • Doppler Radar
    • Traffic Cams
    • Rooftop Weather
    • Weather History
    • Climate
    • Kaiti's Science Lab
    • Thermometer Thursday
    • Weather 101
    • Hurricanes
    • KSAT Connect
    • Weather App
    • Daily Forecast
    • Sports
    • Big Game Coverage
    • BGC Streams
    • KSAT Pigskin Classic
    • Spurs
    • NFL
    • Instant Replay
    • College
    • Scholar Athletes
    • UTSA
    • Spurs Newsletter
    • Spurs Stats
    • BGC Newsletter
    • BGC App
    • Coronavirus
    • Find A Vaccine
    • Find A Test
    • Track Local Cases
    • Vaccine News
    • Map: Infection Rates
    • World Case Count
    • Coronavirus Newsletter
    • KSAT Plus
    • Watch Live
    • Newscasts
    • KSAT News Now
    • KSAT Explains
    • Breakdown
    • Texas Eats
    • 9 @ 9
    • Leading SA
    • Necessary Evil
    • South Texas Crime Stories
    • Downfall
    • In The Shadows
    • Mental Wellness
    • QVC
    • TV Listings
    • Meet the Team
    • Streaming App
    • SA Live
    • As Seen On SA Live
    • Happy Space
    • Texas Eats
    • Prize Wheel
    • Big Adventure
    • Meet The Cast
    • Things to Do
    • Entertainment
    • Things To Do
    • KSAT Kids
    • Outdoors
    • Trending
    • Travel
    • Something Good
    • Fiesta
    • Money
    • Food
    • Rodeo
    • Selena
    • Weird News
    • Birthdays
    • Events Calendar
    • Features
    • KSAT Insider
    • KSAT Deals
    • KSAT Community
    • Podcasts
    • Black History
    • San Antonio Business Journal
    • Live from the Southside
    • Military City USA
    • Great Grads
    • Jobs
    • Father's Day
    • Contests & Rules
    • MeTV
    • KSAT Experts
    • Educator of the Month
    • Newsletters
  • News
  • Weather
  • Sports
  • Coronavirus
  • KSAT Plus
  • SA Live
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Newsletters
KSAT.com
  • News
  • Weather
  • Sports
  • Coronavirus
  • KSAT Plus
  • SA Live
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Newsletters
  • BREAKING NEWS
22 hours ago

Uvalde school shooting: Latest details on Robb Elementary shooting that killed 19 children, 2 teachers

The last week of classes at Robb Elementary School ended in terror when a gunman opened fire, killing 21 people on Tuesday.

BREAKING NEWS

Uvalde school shooting: Latest details on Robb Elementary shooting that killed 19 children, 2 teachers

Ad

ERCOT


WATCH LIVE: ERCOT holds briefing on summer power assessment

ERCOT, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas who operates the power grid for the state, is expected to talk to the media this afternoon about its summer assessment on power usage.

ERCOT asks Texans to conserve power after 6 power facilities go offline Friday

After six power facilities went offline Friday, the state’s main power grid operator is asking residents across the state to conserve power this weekend amid sweltering temperatures.

ERCOT asks power plants to postpone planned outages to meet demand of extreme heat anticipated this weekend

Texas is about to get very hot with the weather forecasted to hit triple digits this weekend in many areas across the state, including San Antonio.

Analysis: Whatever the campaigns say, the Texas electric grid isn’t fixed yet

After 2021’s winter storm electric blackouts, Texas lawmakers worked to shore up the state’s electric grid. But they’re not finished, despite what you might hear from campaigning politicians.

San Antonio temperatures will warm up this weekend with chance of rain

Keep your coats nearby. We're not out of winter weather just yet.

mysanantonio.com

Ex-ERCOT chief testifies that Gov. Abbott’s order led to energy price hike during storm: report

While testifying in a bankruptcy trial for a Texas electric co-op, the state’s former grid manager said Gov. Greg Abbott’s directive led them to keep power price points high during last year’s winter storm, according to a Houston Chronicle report.

Analysis: “Nothing to see here” is good news for Texans and for incumbent politicians

The first really cold weather of the year came and went without straining the state’s electric grid — a welcome relief for voters and for politicians, who didn’t want a repeat of 2021's winter blackouts.

TribCast: The Texas power grid fares better in 2022’s winter storm

In this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with Mitchell and James about how Texas held up during the wintry weather, plus the struggles of the National Guard during their border deployment.

Power grid is stable, governor says, but freezing temperatures will continue affecting roadways

Gov. Greg Abbott will hold a news conference following his briefing with statewide officials about the response to the second day of the winter storm.

Ad

Texas Governor Greg Abbott to give update on winter storm

Watch live here.

mysanantonio.com

‘We have done everything in our power’: CPS Energy says it is ready for winter weather

In the wake of last year's freeze, CPS Energy says it has spent $2 million on preparing its power plants -- built to operate in Texas summers -- to hold up and keep operating in the freezing cold, too.

Live winter storm updates: City of Austin issues boil water notice

Texas faces a new winter storm a year after a deadly freeze left millions without power. Here’s the latest.

San Antonio residents hopeful cold snap won’t cause outages

Although this week’s strong cold front won’t be as extreme as last year's freeze, families should still prepare.

10 of the most-read stories on KSAT.com in 2021

From the winter storm and the Astroworld tragedy to new Texas laws and trash diving in the River Walk, these are the stories y’all read most this year.

Winter storm issues exposed a cascade of scandals at CPS Energy in 2021

While February’s deadly winter storm not only left hundreds of thousands of San Antonio residents without power in subfreezing temperatures, some for days on end, it also exposed a large number of organizational issues within CPS Energy, the largest public power company in the nation.

TribCast: Texas braces for the next winter storm and a new COVID-19 variant

In this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with Mitchell, James and Karen about the status of the power grid and the pandemic heading into winter.

Analysis: Betting a Texas election on a weather forecast

Gov. Greg Abbott says he can "guarantee" there won't be blackouts this winter in Texas after one that knocked out power for some people for four days last February. That's the kind of pre-election prediction that can make a weather forecaster more useful than a political poll.

We’re approaching the anniversary of the 2021 winter storm. Share your story with us.

We want to hear from Texans about how this catastrophic event is still affecting their lives.

Ad

Texas grid vulnerable to blackouts during severe winter weather, even with new preparations, ERCOT estimates show

The most severe scenario considered by ERCOT for this winter — very high demand for power, extensive fossil fuel outages, and low renewable power production — does not capture the amount of power lost during February.

CPS Energy executive: ‘We are fully prepared for a Uri-sized event’

CPS Energy has completed about a third of all the winterization recommendations made to it by the CEP, a CPS Energy official said Monday.

sanantonioreport.org

COMMENTARY: Ford F-150 Lightning Pickup Will Strike Down Social Barriers

A huge swath of

fredericksburg.com

DLI program to focus on ‘Keeping Your Brain Strong’

You don’t want to miss the next Dynamic Learning Institute session, 2-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, at Dietert Center.

dailytimes.com

POW/MIA Recognition Day observed at MOWW meeting; Chip Roy guest speaker

Congressman Chip Roy was the guest speaker at this month’s meeting of the Hill Country Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars, which took place Sept. 14 the

dailytimes.com

September is another good month for government

The cities of Kerrville and Ingram, and Kerr County, received more sales tax revenue this month than in any previous September.

dailytimes.com

Man who is accused of killing 2 set for trial

The man accused of killing Terry Ingram and Patricia Kutzer near Comfort in 2003 is set for a jury trial this week at the Kerr County Courthouse.

dailytimes.com

Commissioners look at replacement for West Kerr Annex building

I will do my part to conserve household energy usage, even if I'm uncomfortable in my home. It is too hot to conserve household energy usage. I already conserve, even before ERCOT requested it. Maybe, depending on the reason ERCOT provides and whether or not I am home during that time. VoteView Results

dailytimes.com

Kerr County Junior Livestock Show hosts fundraiser dinner

I will do my part to conserve household energy usage, even if I'm uncomfortable in my home. It is too hot to conserve household energy usage. I already conserve, even before ERCOT requested it. Maybe, depending on the reason ERCOT provides and whether or not I am home during that time. VoteView Results

dailytimes.com
Ad

Tonight’s annual event to benefit stock show

The Kerr County Stockshow Association will present its 38th annual fundraiser today (Saturday, Sept. 25) at the Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Texas 27 in Kerrville.

dailytimes.com

Veterans meet to remember

At 9 a.m. sharp Friday morning outside the front doors of the Y.O. Ranch Hotel and Restaurant, Kerrville resident Roger “Cowboy” Mead addressed the thirty-some-odd U.S. military veterans gathered for

dailytimes.com

KerrEDC earns honors for communication excellence

The Kerr Economic Development Corporation, a private nonprofit that works to ensure diversified economic growth for new and existing businesses in Kerr County, announced it received four top communication awards

dailytimes.com

$5M grant awarded to SU STEM studies

Schreiner University announced at a press conference on Friday that they will receive a $5 million grant for a five-year science, technology, engineering and mathematics grant from the Texas Department

dailytimes.com

Sheriff’s office builds Special Operations Division

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha has formed a new team at his agency: the Special Operations Division, headed by Lt. Jason Waldrip, a former state trooper.

dailytimes.com

$5M grant awarded to SU for 5-year STEM progra

Schreiner University announced they will receive a $5 million grant for a five-year science, technology, engineering and mathematics grant from the Texas Department of Education.

dailytimes.com

Cyclist pedals to raise money for homeless veterans

It was hard to miss Jimmy Ray Wong’s setup in the Walmart parking lot.

dailytimes.com

Area veterans to be recognized through Veterans Day

The Kerrville Daily Times has partnered with SouthStar Bank to launch a campaign to honor U.S. military veterans in Kerr County. The campaign is expected to draw a lot of

dailytimes.com

More than $30K raised at Healing Hearts Fiesta for Hill Country Youth Ranch

The Healing Hearts Fiesta Style Show Luncheon and Auction fundraiser brought in more than $30,000, plus proceeds from tickets and the silent and live auctions for the Hill Country Youth

dailytimes.com
Ad

Cub Scout sign-up take place at 2 schools

Cub Scout packs serving families in Kerrville will hold their annual Fall Signup at two elementary schools in Kerrville Independent School District, Nimitz and Starkey Elementary school cafeterias.

dailytimes.com

Gene Dowdy is new music director at Schreiner University

Eugene “Gene” Dowdy has accepted the position of Director of Music for Schreiner University.

dailytimes.com

Circle of Service fundraiser celebrates 34th annual event

I will do my part to conserve household energy usage, even if I'm uncomfortable in my home. It is too hot to conserve household energy usage. I already conserve, even before ERCOT requested it. Maybe, depending on the reason ERCOT provides and whether or not I am home during that time. VoteView Results

dailytimes.com

5K run for Riverside Nature Center draws big crowd

I will do my part to conserve household energy usage, even if I'm uncomfortable in my home. It is too hot to conserve household energy usage. I already conserve, even before ERCOT requested it. Maybe, depending on the reason ERCOT provides and whether or not I am home during that time. VoteView Results

dailytimes.com

Conservative groups rail at Gov. Abbott in Kerrville

Criticism for Gov. Greg Abbott’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the influx of migrants at the southern U.S. border abounded at an event held over the weekend at the

dailytimes.com

Court orders Ingram secretary to testify, again

A court on Monday ordered the city of Ingram’s secretary, Stephanie Breckenridge, to testify under oath in ongoing litigation involving a wastewater system project.

dailytimes.com

COVID-19 numbers at KISD shows improvement

I will do my part to conserve household energy usage, even if I'm uncomfortable in my home. It is too hot to conserve household energy usage. I already conserve, even before ERCOT requested it. Maybe, depending on the reason ERCOT provides and whether or not I am home during that time. VoteView Results

dailytimes.com

County bond election tentatively planned for 2022

Kerr County has initiated a campaign to convince voters of the need to borrow money for various capital projects, such as a renovated indoor arena at the Hill Country Youth

dailytimes.com

Woman accused of assaulting police again

A 29-year-old Kerrville woman was in the county jail Friday on suspicion of striking a police officer with a baton and biting another officer.

dailytimes.com
Ad

Residents honor POWs, MIAs

For those families whose loved ones are still missing in action, there’s still hope for closure, according to a guest speaker at a Friday ceremony to honor POW/MIA Recognition Day.

dailytimes.com

TexFest with music, food and fun

I will do my part to conserve household energy usage, even if I'm uncomfortable in my home. It is too hot to conserve household energy usage. I already conserve, even before ERCOT requested it. Maybe, depending on the reason ERCOT provides and whether or not I am home during that time. VoteView Results

dailytimes.com

Community rallies around COVID-19 stricken family

I will do my part to conserve household energy usage, even if I'm uncomfortable in my home. It is too hot to conserve household energy usage. I already conserve, even before ERCOT requested it. Maybe, depending on the reason ERCOT provides and whether or not I am home during that time. VoteView Results

dailytimes.com

Peterson Rehab names Patient of the Year

I will do my part to conserve household energy usage, even if I'm uncomfortable in my home. It is too hot to conserve household energy usage. I already conserve, even before ERCOT requested it. Maybe, depending on the reason ERCOT provides and whether or not I am home during that time. VoteView Results

dailytimes.com

TexFest with music, food and fun

I will do my part to conserve household energy usage, even if I'm uncomfortable in my home. It is too hot to conserve household energy usage. I already conserve, even before ERCOT requested it. Maybe, depending on the reason ERCOT provides and whether or not I am home during that time. VoteView Results

dailytimes.com

Big Dogs raises money for VADogs of Texas

I will do my part to conserve household energy usage, even if I'm uncomfortable in my home. It is too hot to conserve household energy usage. I already conserve, even before ERCOT requested it. Maybe, depending on the reason ERCOT provides and whether or not I am home during that time. VoteView Results

dailytimes.com

Sisters struggle over ownership of Rita's Tacos

Both locations of Rita’s Famous Tacos closed briefly due to a lawsuit between two sisters struggling over ownership of the long-running local business.

dailytimes.com

5 arrested in online child solicitation sting

Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, acting with numerous other state and local agencies, completed a multi-day operation to interdict online child predators in Kerr County on Wednesday. Five suspects were arrested

dailytimes.com

City now taking entries for 20th Annual Holiday Lighted Parade

The Kerrville Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting applications for a Kerrville holiday tradition — the 20th Annual Holiday Lighted Parade.

dailytimes.com
Ad

Local company wins contract to build county website

Kerrville company Morris Strategic Communications won a bid to create a new website for Kerr County.

dailytimes.com

American Legion auxiliary gifts treats to honor first responders on 9/11

American Legion auxiliary members made cookies for first responders in commemoration of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

dailytimes.com

Felon jailed for 11th time

A 42-year-old Kerrville felon was jailed in Kerrville for the 11th time, this time on suspicion of trying to stab someone with a knife.

dailytimes.com

Tivy JROTC gets big donation

Three military-related service organizations donated a total of $600 to Tivy High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program over the weekend, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of

dailytimes.com

Ex-con accused of DWI causing injury

A 20-year-old Kerrville ex-con, who was convicted of drunk driving last month while not authorized to drive, was accused of felony DWI and causing a crash that sent his passenger

dailytimes.com

Attorney: Client had nothing to do with child’s death

Although two people pleaded guilty to hiding data on a cell phone examined during a homicide investigation, an analysis of the deleted information did not indicate they were involved in

dailytimes.com

County’s response during storm leads to national award

Not two months into his new role as Kerr County’s new sheriff, Larry Leitha was faced with the largest public safety challenge in recent — perhaps living — memory for

dailytimes.com

State lists 1 Kerr County death due to winter storm

Of the 210 deaths in Texas attributed to Winter Storm Uri earlier this year, one of them occurred in Kerr County, according to a list of deaths kept by the

dailytimes.com

Axe-throwing lanes to open next month at mall

An establishment that will feature recreational hatchet-throwing lanes is set to open Oct. 1, at River Hills Mall.

dailytimes.com
Ad

Skateboarder injured after skating off rest-area roof

A skateboarder climbed the roof of a pavilion at a rest area Tuesday morning, skated off the roof, landed on his back and couldn’t get up, according to EMS radio

dailytimes.com

Schreiner University holds TexFest: A celebration of all things Texas

I will do my part to conserve household energy usage, even if I'm uncomfortable in my home. It is too hot to conserve household energy usage. I already conserve, even before ERCOT requested it. Maybe, depending on the reason ERCOT provides and whether or not I am home during that time. VoteView Results

dailytimes.com

COVID-19 related deaths increase by two to 109

I will do my part to conserve household energy usage, even if I'm uncomfortable in my home. It is too hot to conserve household energy usage. I already conserve, even before ERCOT requested it. Maybe, depending on the reason ERCOT provides and whether or not I am home during that time. VoteView Results

dailytimes.com

Mentoring plants seeds of educational growth for life

I will do my part to conserve household energy usage, even if I'm uncomfortable in my home. It is too hot to conserve household energy usage. I already conserve, even before ERCOT requested it. Maybe, depending on the reason ERCOT provides and whether or not I am home during that time. VoteView Results

dailytimes.com

4 things we’ve learned since February’s deadly winter storm

It’s been six months since the deadly February winter storm left millions across the state without power for days, and many questions about what went wrong remain unanswered. The KSAT Explains team and the Defenders have been closely following the fallout of the storm. We take a look at four things we've learned so far.

‘Texas Power Grid Failure: What Went Wrong,’ a KSAT 12 investigative special

Airing at 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17: A special collaboration between KSAT Explains and the Defenders

Explained: The two new laws prompted by the Texas power grid failure

Senate bills 2 and 3 were heralded by Texas Gov. Abbott as the antidote to February’s deadly power outages. Here’s what they do.

ERCOT unveils ‘Roadmap to Improving Grid Reliability’ in effort to help Texas Power Grid

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) released a new plan Tuesday to address improvements and outline reforms to the Texas Power Grid, according to a news release.

Report on February freeze spurs heated council comments

The Committee on Emergency Preparedness presented its analysis of what went wrong during the extended freezing temperatures and how the city and its utilities could prepare better next time.

Ad

ERCOT will have to release information about power plant outages quicker — but it may not detail what causes them

The Public Utility Commission said the state's main power grid operator will have three days — instead of 60 — to release some information about power plant outages. But that may not include why the electricity generators were offline.

Twitter goes nuclear over ERCOT’s request for Texans to hike thermostat in scorching heat

On Monday, ERCOT requested Texans turn their thermostats up to 78 degrees and higher to conserve energy because, once again, the power grid is not working as it should.

Gov. Abbott said reforms fixed ERCOT’s flaws. Why is the Texas power grid struggling?

“This is the sort of weather that a well-functioning Texas power grid should have no trouble meeting,” Cohan said. “These shouldn’t be such close calls.”

Gov. Greg Abbott says power grid better than ever as Texans asked to cut back electricity use

A number of power plants were inexplicably offline at the same time that Texas was experiencing record June demand for electricity. ERCOT officials are still working to determine why.

How the heat can affect your health

This Texas heat has been barbecuing us all, especially with the recent ERCOT news. The heat has been so bad that it’s got everyone in a heated mood.

Bexar County opens cooling centers to residents amid heat, power conservation plea

The Bexar County Office of Emergency Management has opened eight cooling centers to help residents get a reprieve from the heat, as ERCOT and CPS Energy have asked people to reduce electric use.

Ceiling fans can keep you cool and help you conserve electricity

As ERCOT asks Texans to conserve energy and take it easy on the AC, you can help keep cool by using that ceiling fan.

Map shows that San Antonio’s winter storm power outages were vastly different between neighborhoods

A map recently produced by CPS Energy showed something many San Antonio residents suspected was true during Winter Storm Uri — outages were vastly unequal between neighborhoods.

San Antonio Emergency Preparedness Committee member gives sneak peak of winter storm response findings

The city of San Antonio is hoping the final findings of the February winter storm’s response efforts are polished before being released, which is why the date of release is now June 24 instead of June 15.

Ad

San Antonio opens cooling centers after ERCOT calls for power conservation measures

The City of San Antonio has opened cooling centers across town for residents needing shelter from the heat.

ERCOT issues Conservation Alert on Monday asking Texans to reduce electric use immediately

A Conservation Alert was issued Monday advising that the demand for energy was getting close to the state’s energy supply level.

Gov. Greg Abbott to sign ERCOT reforms bill into law

Gov.Greg Abbott will hold a press conference Tuesday at the Texas Capitol where he will sign legislation into law to reform the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and weatherize and improve the reliability of the state’s power grid.

Overhaul of ERCOT board could replace experts with political appointees

A deadly winter storm in February lead to widespread power outages across Texas. Lawmakers are working on a bevy of bills in response. Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune

ERCOT names new, temporary leader two months after deadly winter storm

The board overseeing the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the independent nonprofit entity that operates and manages the electricity grid that covers much of Texas, named former executive Brad Jones on Tuesday to be interim president and CEO.

Energy instability at forefront of Texans’ minds after second straight day of ‘tight grid’ conditions

For the second mild spring day in a row, officials with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, said Wednesday that they were dealing with tight energy grid conditions.

ERCOT asks Texans to conserve power, but says outages not expected as it nears emergency conditions

The state’s main power grid operator asked Texans to conserve power Tuesday afternoon and into the evening as the electricity grid is barely keeping up with the demand for electricity.

Public support of CPS Energy crumbled following power outages, Bexar Facts poll shows

The public’s job approval rating of CPS Energy took a nosedive following February’s deadly winter storm and widespread power outages, according to a new poll of likely Bexar County voters.

‘Caught flat-footed’: Energy experts, lawsuits claim CPS has itself to blame for $700 million in natural gas bills

As CPS Energy continues to file lawsuits against entities it claims contributed to massive natural gas bills it racked up during February’s winter storm, energy experts and officials from some the companies targeted by the suits say the utility’s poor risk management is to blame.

Ad

KSAT Explains: The ‘total breakdown’ of the Texas power grid

In mid-February, Texas was hit with a winter storm unlike any we’ve seen in years. In the wake of that storm, Texans are left with many questions.

Almost 70% of ERCOT customers lost power during winter storm, study finds

As the updated death toll from February’s winter storm reached 111 deaths last week, the severity of its full force has continued to come into focus. AdThe Electric Reliability Council of Texas manages the state’s main power grid, which represents 90% of Texas’ electric load and serves more than 26 million customers, according to the agency. Black Texans were “modestly more likely” to have lost power than white Texans, according to the study. The company wants lawmakers to create a revenue stream to Berkshire through an additional charge on Texans’ power bills. Ad“In 2011, when we were asking questions about that winter storm, we were receiving promises and commitments that winterization would occur so that sort of thing wouldn't happen again,” he said.

Congress questions Texas officials about power grid failure

Congress is looking into the cause of the power blackouts across Texas last month. A House panel planned to hear Wednesday, March 24, 2021, from officials who oversee the state's energy industry and electric grid. (AP Photo/LM Otero File)DALLAS – Congress is looking into last month’s massive and deadly power outages across Texas and questioning officials who oversee the state’s energy industry and electric grid. After outages in February 2011, Robb’s group recommended that Texas power plants needed better protection against winter storms. AdHouston Mayor Sylvester Turner said the Texas grid was designed for peak summer heat, and policymakers wrongly believed that the 2011 severe winter storm was an anomaly.

Paperwork failures worsened Texas blackouts, sparking mid-storm scramble to restore critical fuel supply

A PUC spokesperson said Walker was “ceaselessly” on the phone, calling Nye about dozens of natural gas facilities that weren't on Oncor’s “critical” list. “There were phone calls every day.”By Wednesday, Feb. 17, natural gas supply in the state hit its lowest point during the storm, experts said. The Texas Energy Reliability Council — a voluntary body with no regulatory authority — usually meets twice a year. AdReliance on electricity, however, made the state’s electric power system a loop rather than a chain: Electricity relied on natural gas production, and natural gas production relied on electricity. So when demand for natural gas spiked during the frigid weather, homes got natural gas and some power plants didn’t, he said.

What state lawmakers from San Antonio think caused Texas blackouts and how to prevent in future

As temperatures plunged and snow and ice whipped the state, much of Texas' power grid collapsed, followed by its water systems. Currently, the Texas power market operates as “energy-only,” which encourages scarcity because generators are paid only when they provide power. “I absolutely think that the decision to deregulate Texas’ power grid was a mistake. At the state level, Texas should have created some type of emergency fund or plan to prepare for a winter storm. “By deregulating Texas’ power grid from others in the U.S. state leaders left us vulnerable and literally in the dark.

We asked San Antonio, Bexar County officials what went wrong and needs to change after winter disaster

Bexar County Judge Nelson WolffWhat could have been done differently at the local level to better prepare for and respond to the deadly storm? “ERCOT, the manager of the state energy grid, forced CPS Energy to shed load during the long freeze event, which was the root cause of the outages in our community. We must also examine backup generators for water pumping stations.”AdDo you believe state leaders’ decision to deregulate Texas’ power grid was a mistake? “The deregulation of the state power grid answers the call of a market-based economy. We need: better communication; better coordination; and better preparation.

Texas company behind huge electricity bills seeks bankruptcy

The company that drew attention after sending huge electricity bills to customers after last month’s blackout-causing winter storm in Texas has filed for bankruptcy protection. Its rates skyrocketed during the February deep freeze, when state grid operators raised wholesale prices. The company blamed its situation on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which operates the power grid in most of the state. Griddy’s bankruptcy plan proposes to waive claims against customers for charges they incurred from Feb. 15 through Feb. 19, while the $9,000 per megawatt hour price for wholesale power was in effect. Griddy is the third company to seek bankruptcy protection due to the storm, after Brazos Electric Power Cooperative Inc. and Canadian natural gas provider Just Energy Group.

CPS Energy sues ERCOT over exorbitant energy prices during Texas winter storm

SAN ANTONIO – CPS Energy on Friday sued the Electric Reliability Council of Texas after an independent monitor for the Public Utility Commission reported the grid managers overcharged power companies during the winter storm. In the lawsuit, CPS Energy accused ERCOT of not paying what it owes to the San Antonio utility. “ERCOT has short paid approximately $2.5 billion to the market participants, and at least $18 million is owed to CPS Energy for the Winter Storm Event,” according to the court filing. “CPS Energy is taking this action to defend its customers. Price charts for the natural gas spot market show natural gas increased nearly two-fold Feb. 11, before spiking Feb. 17.

After Texas’ power grid failure, some in Lubbock worry about the city’s plans to join ERCOT

Lubbock officials initially planned to join ERCOT once its 15-year-long contract with Xcel Energy, a member of the Southwestern Public Service Company, expires. Spencer lives in Lubbock, one of the few areas of the state not connected to Texas’ independent power grid. AdThe failures of Texas’ independent power grid have led to some counties mulling a way out. Lubbock officials initially planned to join ERCOT once its 15-year-long contract with Xcel Energy, a member of the Southwestern Public Service Company, expires. Lubbock City Councilperson Jeff Griffith he still feels confident Lubbock will move forward with the plans to join ERCOT.

Texas utility regulator says ERCOT overcharged power companies by far less than $16 billion cited by watchdog group

Credit: Sergio Flores for The Texas Tribune​The state’s energy grid operator overcharged power companies by roughly $3 billion after the winter storm, the chairman of Texas’ utility regulator said Thursday, pushing back on a previous report from an agency watchdog that said the companies were overcharged by $16 billion. But a letter submitted Thursday by Potomac Economics repeated that ERCOT overcharged companies by $16 billion. AdIt is still unclear whether and how this overcharge directly affects Texas electricity customers, however many power companies have taken a significant financial hit. In Texas, wholesale power prices are determined by supply and demand: When demand is high, ERCOT allows prices to go up. During the storm, the PUC directed the grid operator to set wholesale power prices at $9,000 per megawatt-hour — the maximum price.

  • Closed Captioning
  • Contests and Rules
  • KSAT Internships
  • Email Newsletters
  • Subscribe to KSAT RSS Feeds
  • Contact Us
  • Careers at KSAT
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Public File
  • FCC Applications
  • Do Not Sell My Info
Follow Us
facebook
twitter
instagram
youtube
rss
Get Results with Omne
Omne Results Logo

If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241.


Graham Media Group LogoGraham Digital Logo

Copyright © 2022 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and pubished by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.