As another winter storm threatens Texas, you might be asking if we're truly ready. State and local officials are saying they are. That's a big claim, especially after Winter Storm Uri five years ago, which led to hundreds of deaths and widespread outages, exposing serious gaps in our infrastructure and state oversight. After Uri, lawmakers pushed for changes. They passed new laws aimed at making the power grid more reliable and holding providers accountable. These reforms are supposed to protect Texans, touching on things like emergency power sources and proper weatherization. Failure to meet these new standards could mean legal trouble for companies, not just bad press. Now, the state's preparations aren't just about throwing a tarp over things. They're about whether those new laws and regulations actually work. It’s a real test for the Public Utility Commission and ERCOT. For you, it means watching if your right to reliable utilities – and safety – is finally being prioritized. This storm isn't just a weather event; it's a public policy exam.