The 2022 storm was another wake-up call. Here’s what’s changed — and what hasn’t — in Texas’s grid readiness.
When a severe winter storm swept across Texas in February 2022, residents across major metro areas were once again left in the cold. Freezing rain, sleet, and snow battered the state, causing widespread power outages and prompting Governor Greg Abbott to issue disaster declarations in 17 counties. Though less catastrophic than the infamous 2021 blackout, the storm was a stark reminder: Texas’s power grid remains vulnerable to extreme weather.
Nearly two years later, many Texans are still asking: Has enough been done to weatherproof the grid? Here’s a breakdown of what caused the outages in 2022, what improvements have been made since then, and what risks still remain.
What Happened During the February 2022 Winter Storm?
Unlike the deadly Winter Storm Uri in 2021, the February 2022 event was shorter and less intense. Still, it caused power disruptions for tens of thousands of residents and brought travel and business to a standstill. While the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) reported that the grid stayed operational, localized outages occurred due to ice accumulation on power lines, tree limbs damaging infrastructure, and high electricity demand.
Importantly, most of the power plant fleet stayed online — a result of some weatherization improvements implemented after 2021. But the storm highlighted persistent weaknesses in transmission infrastructure and demand-side planning.
Key Reforms Since the 2021 Blackout
After the catastrophic failure of 2021 that left over 4.5 million Texans without power and caused hundreds of deaths, lawmakers and regulators moved to tighten grid oversight. These were some of the major changes:
- Mandatory Weatherization: Power generators are now required to winterize their facilities. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) began inspections and can fine companies for non-compliance.
- Emergency Alert System: A statewide emergency alert system now notifies residents of extreme grid stress or outages.
- New ERCOT Leadership: ERCOT saw a leadership overhaul, bringing in new board members with energy expertise outside of Texas to strengthen governance.
Despite these moves, critics argue that reforms have been uneven and slow.
What Hasn’t Changed — and Why It Matters
While some power plants have been upgraded, transmission lines — often the first to fail in ice storms — remain less protected. Grid vulnerabilities persist, especially in rural and low-income communities.
Experts also warn that:
- Natural gas supply remains fragile. Many power plants rely on gas pipelines still poorly insulated against freezing.
- Demand-side policies are limited. Texas lacks robust programs to reduce electricity usage during peak times.
- Grid independence is a double-edged sword. Texas’s standalone grid limits its ability to import power from neighboring states during crises.
Some energy policy experts note that while technical improvements have been made, systemic changes will take time and political will.
What Texans Can Do to Prepare
With climate extremes on the rise, personal and community preparedness is increasingly important. Here’s how residents can stay ready:
- Invest in backup power sources, such as generators or solar-plus-storage systems.
- Sign up for outage alerts from local utilities and ERCOT.
- Winterize homes by sealing drafts, insulating pipes, and checking heating systems.
- Support local energy efficiency programs and advocate for infrastructure investment.
Looking Ahead: Resilience or Repetition?
As climate change accelerates, Texas’s grid must contend not only with winter storms but also heatwaves, drought, and hurricanes. The path forward requires not just technical upgrades, but political alignment and public engagement.
Texas has the resources and ingenuity to lead on grid resilience. But whether the state prioritizes that leadership will determine whether future winters bring security or another season of disruption.
Header Image Suggestion: A panoramic photo of iced-over power lines and utility poles in a suburban Texas neighborhood, conveying the vulnerability of infrastructure to extreme winter weather.
