Texans asked to conserve energy as demand was expected to put strain on electric grid

The Texas power grid operator asked residents to conserve power a second time this week as a blast of cold weather plummeted temperatures well below freezing for much of the state.

This new conservation request was from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday, when the sun was fully up. Solar power is expected to boost the power supply.

Several school districts across Texas including Dallas, Fort Worth as well as Aldine and Katy in the Houston area, closed on Tuesday due to inclement winter weather while many in the Rio Grande Valley started later. Texas A&M University and Texas Christian University also canceled classes. State officials recommended that residents check school websites or social media accounts for the latest on delays and closures.