Committees in the Texas Senate and House of Representatives started hearings Thursday morning on the state's power infrastructure. The House Business and Commerce and State Affairs Committees and Senate Business and Commerce and Finance Commitees are holding joint hearings.
According to a notice, the hearing in the House will hear invited testimony on "statewide electrical blackouts-contributing factors and response." The notice for the Senate Business and Commerce committee says that hearing will cover "extreme weather condition preparedness and circumstances that led to the power outages as directed by Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT)."
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Among groups planning to follow the hearings are the AARP.
"We're looking for answers, action and accountability," says Tim Morstad, associate director of the AARP of Texas. "We want to make sure the lights will stay on, and we've got reliable electricity for our growing state."
Morstad says the AARP wants to hear evidence that protections for critical care and other medical facilities are actually in place.
"We've got people in Texas who are very reliant on electricity," he says. "Whether they be on oxygen machines or other medical equipment, they rely on power for their health and safety."
He says state lawmakers should also review variable rate electric plans. Morstad says the AARP wants to ensure people understand details about how their rate might change, and he says the state should consider limits to variable rate plans.
"My fear is people sign up for these plans thinking they're getting a good deal but knowing that in extreme times like we've had over the past week, they could be in a world of hurt," Morstad says.
Dallas Oil and Gas Attorney Chrysta Castaneda, a former candidate for Texas Railroad Commission, previewed the hearings on the KRLD Morning News
