As temperatures surpass 100 degrees in large parts of the state, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas has asked residents to voluntarily conserve energy on the evening of June 20.

Texans are asked to reduce their energy use, "if safe to do so," from 4-8 p.m. Officials encourage residents to turn up the temperature in their homes, avoid using major appliances, turn off lights and close blinds.

This is not an emergency alert. Voluntary conservation is a “widely used industry tool” to help decrease demand during periods of peak energy use, according to a news release.

Due to extremely high temperatures across Texas, the state power grid operator predicted a record demand for energy this week. Officials issued a “weather watch” from June 15-21, in order to alert Texans ahead of the anticipated conditions.

In the evening, less power will be available from the sun and wind, ERCOT said in the release.


Officials asked all state, city and county government agencies to reduce their energy use in offices across Texas. According to the release, ERCOT will also use power reserves and make generation available earlier to help manage increased demand.

No systemwide power outages are expected. ERCOT encouraged Texans to contact their local utility providers if they experience an outage.

There was enough power to meet demand as of 1:30 p.m. June 20, according to ERCOT’s grid and market dashboards.

Texans successfully helped conserve energy during two voluntary conservation periods in July 2022, officials said.Beating the heat

The Texas Department of State Health Services reported that elderly Texans, young children, people with chronic illnesses and those without access to air conditioning are most at risk for heat stroke.

Signs of heat stroke include headaches, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea and a rapid pulse.

“Staying in an air-conditioned area, either at home or at public places like malls, libraries or community centers, is the best way to combat heat,” according to a news release.


Texans should drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks, the DSHS said. According to the release, people and pets should never be left in parked cars, which can reach deadly temperatures “within minutes.

To find a cooling center, click here. Texans can also call 211 and select option 1 for information about cooling centers.