Dear Neighbors,

We continue to experience widespread power outages across the district, city and state. In the last few hours we have heard reports of power returning to some homes even as many remain without power. Some of my constituents have been confronted with power outages for 5 out of 6 days starting with the icy weather on Thursday. What we are experiencing since early Monday are not rolling outages and the disruption to people’s lives is enormous.

I want to provide an update so you can make informed decisions, even if the information is not pleasant. Austin Energy continues to have customers' power turned off, as dictated by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). The demand for power continues to outpace the available supply. AE has indicated that if you do not have power, you should expect those outages to continue until the situation improves. Customers should be prepared to not have power through Tuesday night and possibly longer.

The energy situation is dire. If you have power, please try to live as if you do not. Do anything you can to reduce your energy usage. If you have heat, run it as low as you are able. Use only the lights you need. Use a single light (or a flashlight, or candles) rather than lighting a whole room or home. Do not use any appliances unless they are absolutely necessary. If you do not have power, please unplug all devices so that when power is restored your circuit will not be overwhelmed and lead to another outage.

The situation remains challenging. As ERCOT and the state work to keep the grid functioning, it is possible that without enough power savings by those with power we will have to power down critical infrastructure.

I want to address the water system questions some have asked. The City Manager has reported that we do not anticipate water system challenges as have been happening in other Texas cities where water boil rules are in effect or water has been cut off. The weather can always cause a main to break or pipe to burst.

This extraordinary weather event is not over. Tonight’s forecast calls for severe weather, including additional snowfall and precipitation. Temperatures will continue to be below freezing and we do not anticipate that condition will change anytime soon. Therefore, if you are at all able to shelter at home, please remain there in order to keep the roads clear. If you can't, make the decision now to get to a place (at the home of a friend or family member or a warming shelter) before it gets dark.

Warming Facilities

The City of Austin and Travis County have established the following centers for members of the public. If you can safely shelter at your home, please do so. We must preserve these limited spaces for those who are vulnerable and have medical equipment that require power to operate. If you plan to travel to these sites, please be prepared to arrive at your destination safely – dress in layers for warm, bring extra blankets, phone chargers, water, and snacks. We are thankful that AISD has made some of their facilities including Murchison Middle School available.

Facilities with limited available capacity are located at:

• Murchison Middle School 3700 N Hills Dr, Austin, TX 78731 (9am-9pm)

• Russell Lee Elementary 3308 Hampton Rd, Austin, TX 78705 (9am-9pm)

• Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

• Mendez Middle School, 5106 Village Square Dr, Austin, TX 78744

• Northeast Early College High School, 7104 Berkman Dr, Austin, TX 78752

• Del Valle High School, 5201 Ross Rd, Del Valle, TX 78617

If you need transportation to a warming center, please call 311. Limited options are available.

We are working to bring additional warming facilities online. The ability to do so is dependent on the availability of volunteers.

How to help - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The city is in need of volunteers to support operations as a result of the current winter weather conditions.  If you are willing to serve as shelter staff or know someone who would be able to volunteer, Austin can use them.  The city has several locations open and exploring new locations as the disaster makes it necessary to do so. For anyone who is able to volunteer at a warming center, please fill out the volunteer form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxyznaQoKu2iTsW5wTQmE8mKhE0SNzou4k_yAuqep1j5zfDQ/viewform) for the Austin Disaster Relief Network or contact ADRN at 512-808-0800. You will need to leave a voicemail if you call. When someone completes this form they will be followed up with if there is a matching need for their availability.

ADRN has limited ability to assist if transportation is needed to move the volunteers to the shelter to work.

Please continue to check in on your neighbors, especially the vulnerable or elderly.

Circuits

At this point in time we believe the outages are due to ERCOT restrictions and circuits that have been taken off line. There may nonetheless be storm damage to lines. While deenergized we don’t know about line damage, but Austin Energy has crews patrolling and ready to take care of non-Ercot related issues as they arise.

I am grateful to our city staff and first responders who have been working tirelessly in dangerous and complicated conditions. Many have been on duty for days without relief.

We have a lot to navigate together over the next few days and in the coming weeks. I will continue to update you as I receive new information. I implore you to continue to do what you can to stay safe and to help those around you.

Regards,

Alison Alter