AUSTIN – While the Railroad Commission of Texas continues implementing legislation to help fortify the state’s energy supply for weather emergencies, the agency is taking steps to get ahead of the game.

As we come off the summer season, the Commission issued a Notice to Operators asking gas facility and gas pipeline facility operators to take all necessary actions as they prepare to operate during winter season 2021-2022. 

“We want to ensure we have done our best to help protect Texans if there is severe weather next winter,” said Wei Wang, RRC Executive director. “The RRC will work with natural gas operators in preparation for the upcoming winter. We are reminding them of updating their information with their electric providers for critical load serving electric generation, and letting them know of best practices for winter preparation and be prepared.”

The critical load application, which is an ERCOT form, and weatherization best practices are part of the Notice to Operators that was issued.

In addition, the agency will work with large gas producers, natural gas storage facilities, transmission pipelines around the state on their winter preparedness; RRC inspectors will also visit sites to observe preparedness of operators who are modifying their facilities as they transition from summer to winter operations.