Texans should conserve energy, “if safe to do so,” from 3-9 p.m. Aug. 25, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas said in a news release. Power reserves are expected to be “tight” at that time.
The details
Conservation is entirely voluntary, and this is not an emergency alert.
However, there is “a potential” for emergency grid conditions Aug. 25 due to extreme heat, high demand for energy and low wind power, ERCOT said.
“ERCOT will continue to closely monitor conditions throughout the day and will keep the public informed through our communications channels,” the release said.
Texans can sign up for conservation notices and emergency alerts here.
Thanks to conservation by Texans and favorable wind and rain, the agency said it successfully avoided emergency grid operations Aug. 24.
ERCOT will use power reserves, make generation available earlier and work with out-of-state agencies to access additional resources to maintain grid reliability, according to the release.
Conserving energy
All state and local government agencies should “implement all programs to reduce energy use,” ERCOT said.
Officials recommend Texans:
- Set thermostats to 80 degrees Fahrenheit or above when away from their homes or businesses for at least four hours.
- Limit the use of large appliances before 8 p.m.
- Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
- Use fans to circulate air.
- Close blinds and curtains to keep rooms cool.
Stay tuned
The tight grid conditions will likely continue through the weekend, ERCOT reported. If additional conservation is requested, officials will send out more information.
A weather watch is in effect through Aug. 27. The agency uses weather watches to inform Texans of “significant weather” and high demand, but no action is needed by residents.
Power outages are not expected this weekend, according to ERCOT. Texans who experience outages can check with their local utility providers or contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas’ hotline by calling 888-782-8477 or emailing [email protected].
