After the failure of the power grid back in February, two bills to prevent future failures are now law.

According to NewsWest 9, after millions of people were without power for several days statewide during the winter storm that hit, now a couple of bills have been signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott.

The two bills will completely overhaul the board at ERCOT and set into motion weatherizing the power generators statewide.

"There is improved weatherization," said Gov. Abbott. "Weatherization of power generation, natural gas and transmission facilities to better handle extreme weather. The railroad commission and ERCOT now must inspect these facilities."

Fines of up to $1 million could be assessed if measures to weatherize the generators are not done.

The weatherization is not just for bitterly cold winter weather, but extreme heat also.

"Under SB 3, the P.U.C. as well as the railroad commission are tasked to weatherize appropriate infrastructure that is not to the detriment of either the spring, summer, winter or fall," said Charles Schwertner, Texas State Senator. "They put in place appropriate weatherization as they see fit depending on the locale of the facility."

Texas Senate member Kelly Hancock said this was all done to protect the consumer.

"We spent hours and hours and hours in the Senate and I know in the House as well really focused on making sure, number one, that we take care of consumers," said Hancock. "We talk about the legislation, we talk about ERCOT, we talk about the system. Our ultimate goal was to make sure that those individuals, those consumers, our constituents back home, never ever had to deal with this issue ever again."

The state will begin to require the weatherization in 2022 and will help pay for the necessary upgrades.

Get our free mobile app

 

10 Famous People Who Went to Texas Tech University

More From 101.9 The Bull