Texas Public Utility Commission

For some Texans, a blackout could be a death sentence. They and their supporters are calling on the state to do more to protect them.

Unlike in February, the supply disruption did not translate into problems for the electric grid. But, energy experts say, it shows Texas has more work to do to safeguard its energy infrastructure against weather-related blackouts.

But energy experts warned Texas consumers could still end up with higher bills without improved electric reliability.

It’s happened before in other parts of the country, but in Texas it would play out much differently. That’s because Texas has its own power grid with minimal connections to neighboring grids.

Senate Bill 7, the bill that deregulated Texas' retail electrical market, was drafted in secret, championed by a disgraced energy giant and, ultimately, garnered bipartisan support. It drastically transformed Texas' energy landscape. Here's how it passed.

In a letter to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott said he wants commissioners to encourage the construction and maintenance of coal, gas and nuclear plants. He also asked that regulators impose reliability costs on renewable power like wind and solar.

In a phone call billed as a primer on “The Texas Two Step,” Public Utility Commission of Texas Chair Arthur D'Andrea talked about a lot more than repricing. He talked about natural gas, falling trees, Austin Energy and frog boils.

Arthur D'Andrea was the only remaining member of the three-seat commission that regulates the state's electric, telecommunication, water and sewer utilities.

Gov. Abbott has previously directed much of the blame for the storm's power outages on the state's electrical-grid operator.

The proposals include overhauling the governance of the state’s electric grid operator, mandating “weatherization” of power facilities and establishing a statewide disaster alert system.