TEXAS GRID ACTION
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SAMPLE LETTER FOR GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT
VERSION 1
Dear Governor Abbott,
I am writing to you today with a sense of urgency and deep concern regarding the state of our Texas Power Grid.Recent reports from the Department of Energy have revealed a staggering 1900% increase in vandalism and sabotage to the Texas power grid since 2017.
In just the first six months of 2023, there have been 19 reported events in Texas alone. According to ERCOT's Reliability Report, vandalism and sabotage accounted for 35% of all grid events between 2018 -2022. These numbers are alarming and demand immediate attention.
In addition to these concerns, we must also acknowledge the potential risks posed by individuals from foreign adversaries entering our country through the unsecured border. It is estimated that hundreds, if not thousands, of military-aged individuals from countries like China have crossed into Texas. In fact, as of June, 140 individuals on the terrorist watch list have been apprehended crossing the southern US border in fiscal year 2023 alone.
Furthermore, there is a severe shortage of transformers worldwide, with an order-to-deliver lead time of 4 to 6 years for large power transformers. This scarcity leaves our large substations vulnerable to coordinated military-style attacks, as we have witnessed in Moore County, NC, and Metcalf, California.
Regrettably, our utility companies have consistently blocked all efforts by the legislature to establish minimum security standards including SB 330. It is crucial that we overcome these obstacles and prioritize the security of our power grid.
This emergency requires immediate attention before it escalates into a full-blown disaster. HB 2555, which focuses on resiliency enhancements, is a step in the right direction. The Public Utility Commission should establish a fast-track for physical security and the protection of the most critical assets.
Additionally, please seriously consider adding SB 330 to a special session. This bill will establish a commission that will set security standards for our power grid.
Governor Abbott, I have faith in your leadership and commitment to the great state of Texas. I urge you to seize this moment to protect our Texas Power Grid, our citizens, and our future prosperity.
May God bless the great state of Texas and guide you in making the right decisions for our collective well-being.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
VERSION 2
Dear Governor Abbott,
I am writing to express my deep concern about the rising security threats to our Texas Power Grid. Vandalism and sabotage have increased by 1900% since 2017, with 19 reported events in the first six months of 2023 alone.
Utility companies have blocked efforts to establish minimum security standards, and there is a shortage of transformers worldwide. Coordinated attacks on large substations have occurred, and individuals from foreign adversaries are entering through the unsecured border.
I urge you to address this emergency promptly. HB 2555 and SB 330 are crucial steps towards enhancing resiliency and establishing security standards. Please prioritize physical security and fast-track protection of critical assets. Consider adding SB 330 to a special session for a floor vote. Your actions in fixing the grid could be one of your most impactful legacies as governor.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
CONTACT INFORMATION
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GOVERNOR ABBOTT:
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PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION:
EMAIL: kathleen.jackson@puc.texas.gov
CONTACT NAME: KATHLEEN JACKSON, Interim Chair
ERCOT:
CONTACT NAME: PABLO VEGAS, CEO