As Texas braces for colder weather, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Politicians have had years to address the failures of our power grid and focus on people-centered solutions like home weatherization and energy efficiency, but instead they have chosen to prioritize fossil fuel lobbyists over Texans’ safety. We cannot rely on a broken system; it’s time to take action to protect our families and demand a resilient energy future.
Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter’s Keep the Power On Campaign is fighting for solutions like modernizing our electric grid, expanding clean energy, and making energy efficiency affordable for all Texans. By standing together, we can ensure our communities are prepared for any storm and build the future Texas deserves.
Prepare for the Winter Storm Hitting Texas
Timing and Impact of the Winter Storm
Plunging temperatures highlight the ongoing risk of extreme weather events. The state has yet to implement meaningful reforms to strengthen grid resilience or ensure equitable access to energy efficiency programs. The result? Families are forced to shoulder the burden of preparing their homes while the systems in place continue to fail them.
Immediate Steps to Stay Safe and Warm
Despite political inaction, there are steps you can take to protect your home and loved ones:
- Insulate and weatherproof: Seal windows, doors, and exposed pipes to reduce heat loss.
- Prioritize heating safety: Avoid using gas stoves or ovens for warmth and ensure your heating systems are in working order. These produce carbon monoxide, an odorless potentially deadly pollutant.
- Help your community: Check on neighbors and advocate for local programs that provide weatherization support.
Dropping temperatures are a stark reminder of why our campaign is crucial. Every Texan deserves a safe and secure home during extreme weather.
Simple Steps to Winter-Proof Your Home
Seal Doors, Windows, and Air Leaks
Drafty homes waste energy and drive up costs. Use weatherstripping or caulk to keep the warm air in and cold air out.
Insulate Pipes and Attics
Adding insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect against freezing temperatures and lower heating bills.
Prepare Your Heating Systems
Inspect your heating system, change filters, and consider a smart thermostat to manage energy use effectively.
Advocate for Your Community
Weatherizing homes helps individual families, but it also eases the burden on the grid. Encourage your local representatives to support policies that invest in energy efficiency.
Texas Leaders Must Do Better
Grid Failures Are Not a Thing of the Past
Winter Storm Uri revealed the catastrophic consequences of neglecting infrastructure and prioritizing fossil fuels over renewable energy solutions. While politicians have promised change, their actions tell a different story: weak regulations, socialized costs of grid failure, and continued subsidies for polluting energy corporations
Keep the Power On: Real Solutions for Texans
Our proposed solutions include:
- Invest in a modern electric grid
- Pay Texans the same way wealthy corporations are paid to use less electricity when energy conservation calls are made
- Increase investments in energy savings programs that lower electric bills, make homes more resilient to extreme temperatures, and reduce stress on the grid
- Remove anti-renewable energy policies that have made it harder to develop solar power and energy storage
- Responsibly transition away from climate-polluting power plants in Texas
Texans are ready for change, but our leaders are stuck in the past. That’s why it’s up to us to demand action.
Stand Up for Texas Families and Communities
We cannot allow grid failures and political inaction to define our future. Texans deserve a reliable, resilient energy system that works for everyone - not just big corporations.
Sign the Keep the Power On petition today to demand:
- A modernized grid
- Investments in energy equity and efficiency
- A bold plan to phase out fossil fuels