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Town Square with Ernie Manouse airs at 3 p.m. CT. Tune in on 88.7FM, listen online or subscribe to the podcast. Join the discussion at 888-486-9677, questions@townsquaretalk.org or @townsquaretalk.
- Kenny Mercado, CenterPoint Energy Executive Vice President, Electric Utility describes the rolling blackout conditions that prevent the entire state of Texas’s power grid from total collapse. According to Mercado, houses are outfitted with digital meters that automatically alert CenterPoint to power outages so those who are without power do not need to directly contact them.
- Frank Billingsley, KPRC Chief Meteorologist, describes the generational weather conditions that have brought down a mixture of rain, sleet, and snow that have frozen roads, pipes, and homes overnight and what to expect tonight as the weather drops again.
- Judge Lina Hidalgo describes Harris County’s condition after the initial freeze and described the balance between energy demand and supply. Electric Reliability Council of Texas is also working to ensure that “any electricity production is going to households and hospitals,” according to Judge Hidalgo.
- Emily Black, Public Information Officer for the Texas Department of Transportation, describes the road conditions and what road hazards drivers can expect to see. TXDOT is advising to remain off the roads as black ice will return when the sun sets and roads must remain clear for emergency responders.
- Carol Ellinger Haddock, Director of Houston Public Works, dispels the “tip” to keep faucets on. Houstonians are told to turn off their water to keep the water pressure up and running in the city.
Town Square with Ernie Manouse is a gathering space for the community to come together and discuss the day's most important and pressing issues.
Audio from today’s show will be available after 5 p.m. CT. We also offer a free podcast here, on iTunes, and other apps.
