Operators and Gas Pipeline Facility Operators: Additional Best Practices for Winter 2021-2022 Preparations

The Railroad Commission of Texas' (Commission's) highest priority is ensuring all natural gas under the jurisdiction of the Commission in the state is available to be used by Texans during the next energy emergency. On November 30, 2021, the Commission adopted Texas Administrative Code §3.65, relating to Critical Designation of Natural Gas Infrastructure, defining critical gas suppliers and critical customers during an energy emergency. In October, the Commission issued a notice with best practices operators should take to prepare for winter. Operators of gas supply chain facilities and gas pipeline facilities under the Commission's jurisdiction are expected to take all necessary measures to prepare to operate in extreme weather conditions during the winter season of 2021-2022. That notice is available on the Commission's website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/media/r5dbn5b2/2021-nto_preparation-by-operators-for-winter_2021-2022_mlb_10-6-2021.pdf.

Since that notice, the Commission has conducted additional research on weatherization best practices by consulting with energy industry experts in Texas and other large energy producing states and Canadian provinces. RRC inspectors also identified additional processes through site visits, some of which may be appropriate to assist operators’ efforts to prepare for extreme weather events.

To view the full notice, visit the RRC website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/media/1oknc2u4/2021_nto_cid_updated-winterization-best-practices_comms_12-9-2021.pdf.