Skip to main content UT researcher: Texas needs a new look at energy market rules to avoid repeat of February blackout FacebookTwitterEmail Natural gas production in Texas dropped by 85 percent during the week of February’s historic winter freeze — a significant factor in the widespread blackouts that contributed to dozens of deaths and billions of dollars in property damage. (Jim Parkin/Dreamstime/TNS)/TNS While city-owned CPS Energy challenges $700 million in natural gas bills from February’s historic winter storm, lawmakers and regulators have largely remained silent on whether gas suppliers illegally raised prices — and why gas was so scarce when it was badly needed.