Overview
- January’s 2026 freeze produced no statewide blackouts, though at least 13 deaths were reported and ERCOT at times overestimated demand.
- Post-2021 measures include plant weatherization, inspections, backup fuel and penalties up to $1 million per day, alongside rapid growth in grid-scale batteries and more than 40,000 megawatts of added capacity, according to officials.
- Natural gas production plunged to lows not seen since 2021, driving price spikes and renewed accusations of gouging, even as industry leaders pointed to improved communications and new critical-load designations.
- A state audit found gas-sector weatherization rules lacked clear baselines and, in some cases, independent verification, signaling weak enforcement.
- NERC’s latest outlook lists Texas at elevated risk in extreme weather and projects a return to high risk by decade’s end without further action, citing fast-rising demand and retiring plants.