The Texas Senate is forming a new committee to focus on hurricane preparedness and response after Hurricane Beryl ripped through Southeast Texas and knocked out power for at least 2.7 million customers in the region. Lawmakers have been especially critical of CenterPoint Energy in the wake of the storm, blaming the provider for failing to adequately plan for the hurricane and staff accordingly.
More than 35K still without power in Houston area as CenterPoint nears 98% restoration Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who leads the Senate and was acting governor while the hurricane passed through Texas, said Texans are “rightfully upset with the overwhelming failure of electric utility companies to restore power in a timely fashion.” He previously said he believes CenterPoint “underestimated” the impact and direction of the hurricane.