On February 23, 2026, the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) announced proposed regulations aimed at preventing another winter storm power failure like the one that devastated the state in 2021. The new regulations come after months of investigation and analysis of the causes of the widespread power outages that left millions of Texans without electricity for days during the historic winter storm.Among the proposed regulations is a requirement for all public utilities in Texas to undergo annual inspections of their power infrastructure to ensure it can withstand extreme weather conditions. This includes conducting thorough assessments of power plants, transmission lines, and substations to identify any vulnerabilities that could lead to widespread outages.In addition, the PUC is considering implementing stricter penalties for utilities that fail to adequately prepare for severe weather events. This could include fines, operational restrictions, or even revoking licenses for repeated violations.The proposed regulations also include measures to improve communication and coordination between utilities, state agencies, and local governments during emergencies. This would ensure a more efficient response to power outages and help prioritize resources to areas most in need of assistance.Public response to the proposed regulations has been largely positive, with many Texans expressing relief that steps are being taken to prevent another catastrophic power failure. However, some critics have raised concerns about the potential costs of implementing the new regulations, which could be passed on to consumers in the form of higher electricity rates.The PUC is expected to hold public hearings on the proposed regulations in the coming months before finalizing and implementing them statewide. The commission has stated that their goal is to create a more resilient and reliable power grid that can withstand extreme weather events and provide uninterrupted electricity to all Texans.