Houston lawmakers vowed to act after last year's storms. Their key bills are still pending action.

Claire Hao | Source: Houston Chronicle | Posted 05/05/2025

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Houston-area legislators vowed to pass laws to improve the local power grid's resiliency after a parade of severe storms devastated the region last year.


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In the wake of severe storms that struck the Houston area last year, local lawmakers have committed to enhancing the resilience of the power grid. Following devastating floods and a deadly derecho that left millions without power, legislators are currently debating key bills aimed at reforming electric utility practices and improving infrastructure. Among the proposals are measures to require backup generators in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, as well as studies on the feasibility of burying power lines to mitigate storm damage.

Several bills are still pending in the Texas legislature, including those that would establish standards for power grid maintenance and protect utility workers from harassment during emergencies. Additionally, lawmakers are working to create a priority list for critical facilities and customers to ensure timely power restoration during outages. As the legislative session approaches its end, the urgency to pass these measures remains high, reflecting the lessons learned from last year's catastrophic weather events.



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Source Link: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/houston-power-grid-hurricane-legislation-20288563.php

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