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Regional power plants, gas lines built to withstand big winter chills, unlike deep South

Many people in the region awoke to single-digit temperatures over the weekend outside, but most were warm and comfortable in their homes. Millions of Texans, meanwhile, were freezing and dealing with flooded homes.

According to our partners at TribLive.com, a similar situation to what unfolded in Texas did not happen in the Northeast because utility companies built weather-resistant power plants. Many plants also have backup generators.

A spokesperson for the electric industry said many plants in the South “barely have walls around them.” On hot days, the air can cool turbines and generators, but that also means they’re exposed to subfreezing temperatures.

Electric and gas companies in the region told TribLive.com that water, fuel, oil and natural gas lines are buried when possible. Above-ground facilities are heated, insulated and kept continually operating whenever there are sustained temperatures below 20 degrees.

>>>RELATED: President Biden, first lady to visit Texas after devastating winter storms

At least 70 people died as extreme cold hit Texas and the Deep South last week, knocking out power to millions of people. With no heat or power, many buildings and homes experienced burst pipes that resulted in flooding.