Is Austin Energy ready for freezing arctic cold front headed to Texas?

Icicles hang down from a vehicle during winter storm in Jan. 2025. The storm occurred in spite on a weak La Nina event, which normally results in warmer and drier weather across Texas.
Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

Austin Energy says it is prepared for an arctic cold front expected to move into Central Texas this weekend, bringing freezing temperatures and the potential for icy conditions.

City officials questioned Austin Energy about its winter weather readiness during a City Council committee meeting Tuesday, as forecasts show temperatures dropping below freezing by Saturday morning and remaining cold through at least Sunday.

Austin Energy General Manager Stuart Reilly told council members that while the forecast does not resemble the extreme winter storms that hit Texas in 2021 or 2023, the utility is remaining vigilant because of the likelihood of precipitation.

Reilly pointed out that the forecasts don’t resemble more severe storms like the ones in 2021 or 2023, but there’s still a high chance of precipitation, so Austin Energy is staying vigilant.

"We get our equipment ready, our teams are ready, we staff up," Reilly said. "We have additional crews on standby and on call, and we’ll be ready to respond if we need, if there are any impacts, whether weather-related or ERCOT grid-related. We’ll be ready, and we’ll keep the council and the public informed along the way."

Reilly said Austin Energy is closely monitoring forecasts from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) as well as local weather models.

Austin Energy says crews, equipment are ready

A spokesperson for Austin Energy issued a similar statement Tuesday afternoon.

"Austin Energy prepares year-round for extreme weather and is ready in the event of a winter storm," said Matt Mitchell, the department’s public information officer. "Critical supplies are already in stock and we are staffing in anticipation of extended winter precipitation and below-freezing temperatures. Our power plants and substations are weatherized and equipment is insulated and inspected. Utility personnel are trained for winter weather emergencies and mutual aid contracts are ready if needed."

Mitchell said the utility will continue to track weather conditions closely as the weekend approaches.

"It’s important to remember that even when winter weather takes hold, our power plants, our substations and our people are equipped to run," Mitchell said.

Austin cold weather shelters activated

Other city departments are also preparing for the cold.

The Homeless Strategies and Operations department runs the city’s cold weather shelters, which activate when temperatures at the National Weather Service’s Camp Mabry location are forecasted to reach 35 degrees or below. The shelters were activated on Saturday and Sunday night, though the city has not yet announced plans for the upcoming weekend. Shelter decisions are typically made up to one day in advance and no later than 9 a.m. on the day a shelter would open.

Forecasters say the arctic front is expected to arrive Friday night, pushing temperatures below freezing by Saturday morning and keeping daytime highs in the low to mid-30s. Gusty north winds could push wind chill values into the 20s and teens through Sunday morning, with cloud cover contributing to the prolonged cold.

5 ways to prepare for the weekend cold front

• Prepare for freezing temperatures: Insulate exposed pipes, bring pets indoors and check that space heaters are used safely.
• Charge devices and backup batteries: Make sure phones, medical devices and external batteries are fully charged.
• Limit unnecessary travel: Icy conditions may develop overnight and early mornings this weekend.
• Stay informed: Monitor local weather forecasts and updates from government officials and energy providers.
• Check on vulnerable neighbors: Older adults, people without reliable heat and unhoused residents may need extra support.