Published: Monday, February 22, 2021
Texas Capitol in Austin at dawn. Photo credit: Bob Daemmrich/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom
The sun rose Friday in Austin over a Texas Capitol darkened to save energy, after winter weather paralyzed much of an unprepared Lone Star State. Bob Daemmrich/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom
Lights are back on for most Texans, but the policy fights over astronomical power bills, unprepared generating plants and an isolated grid are just beginning.
That was evident over the weekend as Texas' electricity crisis grabbed attention on Sunday news shows and the White House said President Biden could soon visit the state.
Authorities are still sorting out the toll from last week's winter storm that left millions of Texas residents clustered in homes without heat, power or potable water for hours or days. Others kept power but may face bills in the hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on their plans. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) held a meeting Saturday with Texas lawmakers to discuss potential solutions for spiking energy costs to consumers.