UPDATE ON POWER OUTAGES(2:30pm, 2/15/21)
Folks - the situation is not good. I’ve been in touch with state officials and Centerpoint.
Wind energy is nonexistent bc they can’t operate at these temps. Solar farms are useless when covered with snow. And now several power generating units including a nuclear plant have shut down due to problems they are having with the extreme temperatures. There is not enough power to meet demand over the next 18 hours.
Centerpoint can not roll their blackouts because their reserve margin is to small (power required for critical infrastructure) so if you are currently without power there’s a good chance it’s not coming back on anytime soon.
People need to prepare for tonight. WE NEED EVERYONE (neighbors, friends, etc) that live close to each other to check on your neighbors. If you have decent heat, open your home to neighbors if you can.
Those with gas heaters and fireplaces, make use of them. Try to centralize your available heat in a few rooms.
Use the heater in your vehicle if needed to warm up. Just make sure you only run your vehicle outside and not in your garage. Same thing with generators. Do not run them inside. Especially in the garage.
If you have a life threatening situation please call 911.
We are setting up warming centers but I do not advise anyone to travel on the roads. It would be just as dangerous.
People need to plan accordingly. Stay as warm as you can. Bundle up. Talk to your neighbors.