AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Texas Senate Democrats are afraid continued drought could lead to brownouts and keep major firms from expanding statewide because of fears about an unreliable power grid.
Vast amounts of water are often necessary to generate electricity _ something complicated by the worst single-year drought in Texas history.
Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, said Tuesday the lack of rainfall poses serious concerns “about the ability to keep the lights on.”
San Antonio Democratic Sen. Leticia Van de Putte said companies are already hesitating to expand in Texas because of concerns about power shortfalls.
Trip Doggett, president of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, told senators that the drought probably won’t cause significant shortfalls through the end of this year but could have severe impacts on energy production if it lasts into 2013.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)