Williamson County, like the entire state of Texas, continues to deal with continuous blackouts, but County Judge Bill Gravell wants to remind residents that the county has no control over water or electricity services. (Ali Linan / Jornal Impacto in the Community)
Williamson County, like the entire state of Texas, continues to deal with continuous blackouts, but County Judge Bill Gravell wants to remind residents that the county has no control over water or electricity services.
“Let me be clear, Williamson County does not control power,” Gravell said in an interview with Community impact newspaper.
Gravell said that about 40% of the municipality is without power. Although he said he believes the number of customers affected by the blackouts will decrease in the coming days, the county will continue to experience continuous blackouts for at least the next two to three days.
“I think this will be a matter of days,” said Gravell. “We will have to be patient and work together to overcome this difficult time.”
Gravell said the county is working with cities in the region to help strengthen services where possible, including opening charging stations across the county for those who need to recharge oxygen equipment.
Gravell added that while officials are discussing opening heating centers for those without power, it has been difficult to secure a location that they know will not be interrupted either.
“We still don’t have a place where we can put someone [and] ensure that there is electricity and, most importantly, heating in that facility, ”said Gravell. “It is a very complicated issue, but we are working with our cities to take these measures, if possible.”
Gravell said that in 12 months, the county and Texas survived the start of a pandemic, a turbulent political season and will survive it as well.
“I know people are just tired of where we are, but we are Texans,” said Gravell. “It’s in the conversation. We just need to go up, take care of ourselves, take care of our family and take care of our neighbors because that’s what sets us apart.”
THE The Texas Electric Reliability Council, or ERCOT, operates the state’s electrical grid and manages about 90% of the state’s electrical load. For more information on interruptions in water supply and utilities, contact your direct supplier.