Texas Energy Grid
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.
Watch clip answer (00:41m)
CBS News
01:36 - 02:18
How is the polar vortex affecting middle America and the eastern United States?
The polar vortex is bringing freezing conditions with ice, cold temperatures, and snow across middle America and extending into the eastern United States. Millions of Americans from Minneapolis to Dallas are experiencing record low temperatures, with Dallas seeing temperatures as low as 19°F and wind chills making it feel like 2°F. Residents are bundling up and navigating slick, icy roads, though many are choosing to stay home altogether. The severe weather is causing school closures and raising concerns about Texas's energy grid due to unusually high demand. This significant weather event is uncharacteristic for February and is expected to continue with more cold spells predicted.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)CBS News
00:00 - 00:25
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
How is the polar vortex affecting temperatures in Dallas, Texas?
Dallas is experiencing extreme cold with temperatures at approximately 19 degrees Fahrenheit and a wind chill making it feel like just 2 degrees. The conditions are so severe that it's actually warmer in Reykjavik, Iceland and Anchorage, Alaska than in Dallas right now. This polar vortex is affecting a wide region from Minneapolis to Texas, forcing millions of Americans to navigate slick roads or stay indoors to avoid the dangerous conditions.
Watch clip answer (00:50m)CBS News
00:00 - 00:50
How severe is the cold weather affecting Dallas, Texas?
Dallas is experiencing extreme cold conditions with temperatures at 19 degrees and feel-like temperatures of just 2 degrees. CBS correspondent Omar Villafranca reports that the situation is so severe that Dallas is actually colder than Reykjavik, Iceland and Anchorage, Alaska. This polar vortex has created brutal winter conditions across southern states, leading to icy roads, school cancellations, and concerns about energy costs on Texas's unregulated power grid.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)
CBS News
00:21 - 00:45
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