Texas Utility Provider Forecasts High Demand for Coming Winter Storm

Texas utility provider ERCOT forecast high energy demand during an approaching a winter storm, warning that frozen precipitation it could cause local electricity outages.

(Reuters) — Texas utility provider ERCOT said on Wednesday that it forecast a high energy demand through Sunday due to a winter storm.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) said that frozen precipitation could cause local outages, adding it issued a "winter weather watch" through Sunday, Feb. 6.

"With frozen precipitation there is always a chance for local outages caused by things like ice on wires or fallen tree limbs", ERCOT said in an emailed statement.

A deadly deep freeze last year crippled the state's electric grid, leaving millions without power in freezing temperatures.