Lucio Vasquez

As a precaution, the U.S.

Department of Energy issued an emergency order last week allowing ERCOT to tap backup power sources, including generators at large facilities.

The move comes nearly five years after the February 2021 winter storm, when widespread grid failures left more than 4 million Texans without power and contributed to hundreds of deaths.

The storm is still ongoing, but temperatures are expected to warm up a bit on Tuesday.

For NPR News, I'm Lucio Vasquez in Houston.

Nearly five years ago, extreme cold crippled Texas's power grid, leaving millions without electricity for days and contributing to more than 240 deaths statewide.

Now, as another freeze approaches the Lone Star State, leaders say the system is better prepared.

The state's grid operator, known as ERCOT, says it expects to meet electricity demand as the cold settles in.

Governor Greg Abbott says the grid has been improved to work under extreme cold.

The ERCOT grid has never been stronger, never been more prepared, and is fully capable of handling this winter storm.

Emergency crews are on standby, warming centers are opening across the state, and Texans are being urged to prepare and avoid travel during icy conditions.

For NPR News, I'm Lucio Vasquez in Houston.

Nearly five years ago, extreme cold crippled Texas's power grid, leaving millions without electricity for days and contributing to more than 240 deaths statewide.

Now, as another freeze approaches the Lone Star State, leaders say the system is better prepared.

The state's grid operator, known as ERCOT, says it expects to meet electricity demand as the cold settles in.

Governor Greg Abbott says the grid has been improved to work under extreme cold.

The ERCOT grid has never been stronger, never been more prepared, and is fully capable of handling this winter storm.

Emergency crews are on standby, warming centers are opening across the state, and Texans are being urged to prepare and avoid travel during icy conditions.

For NPR News, I'm Lucio Vasquez in Houston.

U.S.