ERCOT

Energy experts say a growth in renewables will help the state's power grid meet increasing demand this summer.

The state has faced a backlog of large energy consumers who want to connect to the Texas power grid.

Texas leads the nation in utilities shutting off electricity and natural gas services to customers who can't afford their energy bills, according to a report released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The boom in data centers, many to support artificial intelligence, could strain the Texas power grid and increase energy costs.

Freezing temperatures and hazardous road conditions here in Lubbock have continued after the weekend, prompting area school districts, colleges, and universities to cancel today's classes. Much of the country is still dealing with dangerous winter weather, putting power grids under strain from coast to coast. The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports that ERCOT says the state energy grid is performing better now than in 2021's winter storm. Another severe weather event in Texas this past summer could have traumatic effects for thousands of adults and children for months or even years. Texas Public Radio's Norma Martinez has more on mental health response following the July 4th floods in Kerr County.

Freezing rain, sleet and snow are expected to hit a large portion of Texas beginning Friday.

State and track officials announced this week that Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico will not host the 2026 racing season. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren breaks down how severe weather events over the last few years led to the decision. A winter storm is expected to hit the state later this week, with some areas possibly staying below freezing through Monday. The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports ERCOT officials say the energy grid is ready for it.

Subfreezing temperatures are expected by Friday as arctic air moves into Texas, with some areas possibly staying below freezing through Monday before warming into the lower 40s on Tuesday.

Temperatures across the state should rise into the 70s by next week.

With cold weather arriving today across the region, ERCOT expects grid conditions to be normal. Lubbock's mayor signed a purchasing agreement last week, securing 85% of the land needed for Lake 7. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on the project moving forward. On Friday night, a 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck near the Texas-New Mexico border. Quakes have become more common in the region in recent years.