Cold wave in the United States: controversy over renewable energies
Houstonians line up for gas amid the power cut due to the Texas cold snap on February 17, 2021. AP - David J. Phillip
Text by: RFI Follow
3 min
In Texas, the cold snap that has raged since Sunday evening still deprives more than 2.5 million homes of electricity.
There is now a water shortage due to lack of energy: there is no more pressure in the pipes.
Many cities require their residents to boil water before using it.
As the situation does not improve, the politicians are shifting the responsibility.
Publicity
Read more
With our correspondent in Houston,
Thomas Harms
Texas is the only American state to have its own electricity grid, independent from the others.
As the largest power-producing state in the country, the failure of the electricity grid in recent days has captured Texas pride.
In search of officials, Republican Governor Greg Abbott immediately pointed the finger at the energy transition.
"
It shows how the Green New Deal would be deadly for the United States,"
said the governor of Texas.
Our solar and wind power sites have closed.
And this is what caused our electricity production to drop.
It just shows that fossil fuel is needed.
"
The power grid manager recalled that among the energy production sites that dropped this Wednesday in Texas, 60% were powered by gas, coal or nuclear energy.
►
To read also: United States: when it's colder in Texas than in Alaska
Unprepared for winter
Lina Hidalgo, in charge of Houston County, asked not to politicize the matter: “
It's an unnecessary distraction.
People are trying to play politics when millions of people are cold.
Right now, we are trying to survive and prepare for several days without electricity.
And we hope that the network will hold up.
"
In 2011, after a harsh winter, the federal authorities advised to prepare the Texan network for winter overproduction.
But nothing was done.
►
To listen: The cold snap in Texas paralyzes the US oil and gas industry
Newsletter
Receive all the international news directly in your mailbox
I subscribe
Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application
google-play-badge_FR
United States
Severe weather
Energies
On the same subject
Raw materials chronicle
Texas cold snap cripples U.S. oil and gas industry
United States: When it's colder in Texas than in Alaska