Texas promised to winterize its energy grid. An audit found big problems

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An audit by the State Auditor's Office has revealed significant issues with Texas' natural gas production and delivery systems, which are not adequately prepared for severe winter storms. This follows the 2021 blackouts during Winter Storm Uri, which highlighted failures in both the electric grid and the natural gas supply chain. Despite a state mandate requiring winter weatherization, the Railroad Commission's inspections have shown that gas companies are largely self-regulating their preparedness, leading to minimal violations and a lack of adherence to best practices.

The audit criticized the Railroad Commission for not verifying whether gas operators are implementing effective winterization measures and for relying on their assurances regarding staff training for severe weather preparedness. Critics argue that this lax oversight could result in inadequate preparations for future winter storms. While the Railroad Commission defended its practices, stating that the low number of violations indicates successful implementation of regulations, auditors emphasized the need for urgent improvements to mitigate risks associated with winter weather events.