RRC Weatherization Inspections Make Transition from Winter Months to Warm Weather

It was a first-of-its kind regulation in Texas when RRC’s Critical Infrastructure Division (CID) fanned across the state to begin weatherization inspections in the fall of 2022. The inspections were part of quick progression at the agency adopting and implementing Statewide Rule 3.66 to protect gas flow to power generators and ensure Texans have electricity during weather emergencies.

More than 6,200 inspections have been conducted, which, coupled with round-the-clock contact with operators, helped provide ample gas supply to for home heating and power generation during two winter storms.

As the chart below shows, Texas’ average daily onshore gas production during Winter Storm Elliott (December 2022) and Winter Storm Mara (February 2023) both exceeded the daily gas production of all last winter.

Data source: S&P Global

Even though winter is over, CID is not hitting the pause button on inspections. Inspectors are continuing their work to ensure gas supply is strong to keep power and air conditioning on.

“Texas summers can be brutal, and we want to make sure there’s plenty of natural gas available for electricity generators to cool homes,” said Jared Ware, CID Director. “As we transition into the hot months, we’ll continue visits to infrastructure such as gas processing plants, compressor stations at pipeline facilities and underground gas storage. Ensuring that equipment is set up to shed heat will be among the important aspects of our warm weather inspections.”

The number of RRC’s inspections in Fiscal Year 2023, the first year that Statewide Rule 3.66 has been in place, is on track to meet the Legislature’s performance goal of 7,000.