the electricity generation and distribution system $($that is$,$ the power grid$)$ had failed in extreme cold weather conditions in $1989$ and $2011$ causing major power outages.

Neither Texas regulators nor ERCOT imposed any requirements on the utility companies to winterize their systems, insulate their production lines or take any other measures to ensure that they could produce electricity in subfreezing temperatures.

The Texas government determined that market mechanisms would incentivize energy companies to fix the shortfalls of their electrical generator and distribution systems through winterization and other measures because they could charge more for electricity during severe storms if their power systems were operational.

In February $2021$ when a severe winter storm hit Texas and the surrounding states, Texas experienced another major power outage leaving millions of residents and businesses without power for days. More than $70$ deaths were associated with the cold weather and resulting electric grid failure.

Any of the following steps could have helped to prevent or minimize the Texas power outages of February $2021$ EXCEPT

Texas residents boycott the utility companies until they winterize electrical generator and distribution systems

Texas expands the power grid and integrates it into bordering states which will serve as a backup during cold weather and require winterization $q,$

Texas rulemakers enact a regulation to require utility companies to winterize their electrical generator and distribution systems $q,$ utility companies invest in resources to protect their electrical systems from freezing in subzero temperatures and passing some of the costs onto customers