Read on Twitter
I'm following the City of Austin/Travis County press conference on our current winter weather and resulting power outages. Background here: https://www.kut.org/energy-environment/2021-02-16/texas-governor-calls-for-investigation-into-group-that-manages-state-power-grid
Travis County Judge @AndyBrownATX: "I agree that this is a completely unacceptable response" as state says it doesn't know when power can be restored.
Says he's signing an order that requires some businesses, sports facilities to turn off power if it's non-essential.
Says he's signing an order that requires some businesses, sports facilities to turn off power if it's non-essential.
. @MayorAdler: "If you have power please try to live almost like you don't. If you have heat run it low, run it lower. If you have lights, try just to use the light you need at that moment."
Says if you have power and can take in neighbors, do so, but wear masks, social distance.
Says if you have power and can take in neighbors, do so, but wear masks, social distance.
So far in this presser there has been no information about when power may come on because, well, no one seems to know.
@MayorAdler says @ERCOT_ISO "ultimately has to explain" why millions in Texas are without power.
@MayorAdler says @ERCOT_ISO "ultimately has to explain" why millions in Texas are without power.
. @MayorAdler says despite rumors there is no threat to Austin's water supply right now.
Jackie Sargent, general manager of @austinenergy:
"If the electric grid becomes compromised the issue will become even more dire. Until this weather event clears ... there will not be enough capacity to meet all energy customer demands."
"If the electric grid becomes compromised the issue will become even more dire. Until this weather event clears ... there will not be enough capacity to meet all energy customer demands."
Sargent of @austinenergy adds that the city's own infrastructure has been affected by the cold: "Our assets, our substation breakers, have been cold too ... Structures that are exposed to the elements have had ice form on them."
Sargent of @austinenergy says while the utility has yet not had to turn off power to critical circuits, which may include hospitals, it may come to that: "We may get to the stage where we're tapping into critical circuits." She calls the situation "critical."
. @AustinCityMgr Spencer Cronk says these outages could last beyond tonight and tomorrow. He says people should make decisions now, begins listing warming centers, including one at Palmer Events Center.
. @AustinCityMgr says you can call 3-1-1 if you need transportation to a shelter. Bring blankets, phone chargers, snacks with you.
If you decide to stay home: "Do not use gas stoves and ovens to heat your home ... have alternative plans for refrigerating medicine..."
If you decide to stay home: "Do not use gas stoves and ovens to heat your home ... have alternative plans for refrigerating medicine..."
. @austinenergy GM Jack Sargent paints this bleak portrait:
"if the grid were to collapse, if the demand were to continue to go up ... there would be a point when the whole system would go black. That would take not just days to restore power, but weeks."
"if the grid were to collapse, if the demand were to continue to go up ... there would be a point when the whole system would go black. That would take not just days to restore power, but weeks."
Travis County @AndyBrownATX confirms there are Spanish speakers and "sufficient food" available at the warming center at Palmer Events Center.
Other than that, encourages people to "bring what they need" including any supplies for children/babies.
Other than that, encourages people to "bring what they need" including any supplies for children/babies.
. @AustinEnergyGM says those electricity customers who are medically vulnerable can have ID'd themselves as such and @austinenergy has reached out to those who have been affected by power outages.
