As frigid temperatures plunge deeper into Texas this week, Houston residents can expect a tighter electricity supply on Thursday, though the state’s power grid remains stable, according to ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas.
“It’ll be a little tighter tomorrow than it will be today because it’s going to get colder,” Vegas told WFAA, noting that the core of the cold front is set to sweep through Texas overnight and into Thursday morning.
Despite the chill creeping across the state, ERCOT—the operator of Texas’ electric grid—expects to meet demand without triggering emergency conditions. On Wednesday, ERCOT maintained a cushion of about 10,000 megawatts, ready to deploy if any power generators unexpectedly go offline. For perspective, one megawatt can power roughly 250 homes.
Houston, known for its humid summers and mild winters, isn’t a stranger to extreme weather events that challenge the grid. But Vegas reassured Texans that, despite the colder temperatures and a slightly tighter supply, “we should have the resources available.”
ERCOT will keep a close eye on both renewable energy sources and traditional power plants throughout the cold snap. Vegas also urged Texans to stay updated through official ERCOT channels, especially during the early morning hours when winter electricity demand typically peaks as people gear up for work and school.
“Winter demand behaves differently than summer,” Vegas explained. “In summer, the highest demand usually hits late in the day when people return home. But in the winter, it’s that early morning rush that really drives usage.”
Wednesday’s cloud cover dulled solar generation across parts of Texas, but sunnier skies on Thursday should boost solar output, according to Vegas. However, winds—strong across the state on Wednesday—are expected to ease overnight before picking back up over the weekend.
Houston residents still remember the devastating impact of Winter Storm Uri in 2021, when sub-zero conditions crippled the grid, freezing natural gas lines and forcing rolling blackouts across the state. ERCOT faced widespread criticism for its lack of preparedness during that crisis.
But since then, significant changes have been made. Under Vegas’ leadership, ERCOT has strengthened its grid through weatherization efforts and strategic reserves, including more than 4,000 megawatts of power plants with on-site fuel supplies—an essential backup in case natural gas deliveries falter.
“The changes we’ve implemented since Winter Storm Uri are working,” Vegas said. “Our weatherization programs are paying off, and with new tools like firm fuel supply, we’re more prepared than ever. We focus on grid reliability 24/7, 365 days a year. That’s our commitment to Texans.”
As Houston bundles up for another chilly front, residents can take comfort in the fact that while the grid might be stretched a bit thinner, ERCOT is keeping a steady hand on the controls—ready to power the city through the cold.