electricity costs
How long will the extreme cold temperatures affecting millions of Americans last?
The extreme cold temperatures affecting millions of Americans are severe enough to potentially break records in areas like Wichita, Kansas City, and Oklahoma City, with temperatures 40 degrees or more below average. However, there are promising changes on the horizon. According to the weather specialist, when looking at the forecast for the next six to ten days, changes are expected that should bring relief from these frigid conditions. The current polar vortex and winter weather system won't be a permanent fixture.
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CBS News
04:17 - 04:55
How is Texas's energy grid functioning during the current cold weather?
Texas's energy grid is currently operating normally despite the frigid temperatures. The correspondent reports that 'everything looks like it's running just fine.' However, the main concern now is how much the energy will cost consumers. Since Texas is not federally regulated when it comes to energy - described as 'a little bit of the wild west' - high demand during cold weather typically results in high prices. Residents are advised to monitor energy costs and consider adjusting their thermostats when away to save money.
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CBS News
01:36 - 02:18
How does this polar vortex impact Americans throughout the states?
The polar vortex is causing widespread disruption across the United States with school cancellations and work schedule changes being the immediate effects. One of the most significant impacts will be extraordinarily high electric bills as households struggle to stay warm in temperatures that plunged as low as -64 degrees Fahrenheit in Montana. This extreme weather event is far from normal for February, creating dangerous conditions that affect millions of Americans' daily lives. The severity of the cold snap highlights both the safety concerns and financial strain facing families as they navigate through this unprecedented winter weather phenomenon.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)CBS News
02:43 - 03:04
How does Texas's deregulated energy system affect costs during high-demand periods like winter storms?
Texas operates under a non-federally regulated energy system that functions like the 'wild west.' When demand rises during extreme cold, prices increase proportionally. While the grid is currently running fine during this winter storm, residents should monitor energy costs carefully. Many Texans raise their home thermostats while away at work to save money, as maintaining very warm temperatures can result in extremely high electric or gas bills at month's end. This pricing fluctuation is unique to Texas's deregulated market, where high demand directly translates to higher consumer costs.
Watch clip answer (00:48m)
CBS News
01:36 - 02:25
What is the current state of Texas's energy grid during the cold snap?
Texas's energy grid is currently functioning well during the severe cold snap, with reporter Omar Villafranca confirming that "everything looks like it's running just fine." While neighboring states are preparing warming centers in case of power outages, Texas has not reported significant grid issues. The main concern now is the potential cost of energy consumption during this period. Texas operates on an unregulated energy market that Villafranca describes as "a little bit of the wild west" since it's not federally regulated. This could lead to higher energy bills for residents as demand increases during the extreme cold temperatures.
Watch clip answer (00:30m)
CBS News
01:36 - 02:07
How does the polar vortex impact Americans throughout the states?
The polar vortex has widespread impacts on Americans, disrupting daily life through school cancellations and work disruptions across the country. Particularly concerning are the anticipated spikes in electric bills due to extreme heating needs during record-breaking temperatures, with some areas experiencing feels-like temperatures of negative 64 degrees in Montana. The meteorologist emphasizes that these temperatures are abnormal for this time of year, creating unusual challenges for residents. The severe cold has transformed routine activities into potential hazards, affecting millions of Americans who must cope with this extraordinary winter weather event.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)
CBS News
02:43 - 03:04