The boss of the Texas power grid, along with four other officials, have resigned their posts in the wake of catastrophic power supply paralysis caused by falling temperatures in the state.
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The departure of Sally Talberg, head of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (Ercot), was confirmed by a press release from the authorities of the great southern state, known to be the energy lung of the United States.
Millions of Texans were deprived of electricity and clean water last week when their state, accustomed to milder temperatures, was suddenly hit by a polar cold snap.
This extreme weather episode, which wreaked havoc across the southern and central United States, claimed the lives of at least 70 people, according to US media.
Faced with the resounding scandal – how could Texas, the country’s largest producer of oil and natural gas, find itself plunged into such a crisis? – the governor of the state had himself called for the resignation of the leaders of the Ercot.
“While the Texans were in dire need of electricity, Ercot failed in his mission,” said Greg Abbott.
Biden to travel to Texas on Friday after the cold snap
US President Joe Biden will travel to Houston, Texas on Friday after the rare deadly cold spell that hit the southern US state, depriving millions of residents of electricity and clean water, said Tuesday the White House.
“President and First Lady” Jill Biden to travel to Houston, a large city in Texas, where Joe Biden “will meet with local leaders to discuss plans for relief after the winter storm, progress towards reconstruction and incredible resilience demonstrated by the people of Houston and Texas, ”White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.
The Democrat will also visit a COVID-19 vaccination center, she said at a press conference, indicating that the detailed program of this visit would be clarified during the week.
Millions of Texans were deprived of electricity and clean water last week when their state, accustomed to milder temperatures, was suddenly hit by a polar cold snap.
This extreme weather episode, which wreaked havoc across the southern and central United States, claimed the lives of at least 70 people, according to US media.
Joe Biden signed a new declaration of emergency for Texas on Saturday, which frees up federal aid funds.
Republican congressman Michael McCaul estimated the economic impact of the storm could be as heavy as that of Hurricane Harvey of 2017, whose damage was estimated at $ 125 billion.