Hurricane Beryl hit Houston hard, causing widespread power outages in the city. With temperatures soaring into the 90s, residents are facing a dangerous and uncomfortable situation. Many utility workers from out of state have arrived to assist in restoring power, but instead of being met with gratitude, they have been met with hostility and violence.
Reports have surfaced of utility workers being threatened, assaulted, and even shot at by residents. Governor Greg Abbott had to step in to address the issue, urging people to stop interfering with the workers who are trying to restore power. One person has already been arrested for pulling a gun on a utility worker, and CenterPoint Energy had to close one of its staging sites due to a drive-by shooting, slowing down repair efforts.
Local leaders held a press conference to condemn the attacks on utility workers. Ed Allen, Business Manager for IBEW Local 66, expressed his shock at the community’s response, stating that some companies are considering pulling out if the violence continues. Workers have had guns pointed at them, rocks thrown at them, and even faced threats from individuals with AK-47s.
It is important to remember that the utility workers are not the ones responsible for the decisions that led to the power outages. The real accountability lies with the politicians and power executives who oversee the electrical grid. The workers, especially those who traveled from out of state to help, are simply trying to do their job and restore power to the residents in need.
The frustration and anger felt by residents are understandable, given the extreme heat and the unreliability of the Texas electrical grid. However, resorting to violence and threats against the very people working to fix the problem will only hinder the process of restoring power. It is crucial for the community to come together and support the workers instead of creating obstacles for them.
In times of crisis, it is essential to show unity and solidarity. Rather than attacking the utility workers, residents should direct their frustrations towards the policymakers and executives who hold the real power to make positive changes. By working together and supporting one another, Houston can overcome this challenging situation and emerge stronger than ever.