ERCOT asked people and businesses to conserve energy from 2-8 p.m. but said in a news release that no systemwide power outages are expected. The council also issued a “protected reserve capacity shortage” for the same time period.
This is not an emergency alert, but rather a voluntary appeal.
Conservation appeals are issued when the projected energy reserves fall below 2,300 megawatts for at least 30 minutes, according to the release. ERCOT has issued similar appeals over 48 times since 2008.
On the morning of July 10, ERCOT reported that there was enough power available to meet demand.
Texans can visit the Power to Save website, which is run by the Texas Public Utility Commission. Tips include turning up thermostats while not at home and running appliances in the morning or evening.
In 2021, the Texas Legislature passed several bills to help prepare the power grid for emergencies and prevent massive spikes in electricity prices, like what happened as a result of Winter Storm Uri.
Officials expressed confidence in the power grid’s ability to meet demand during a May 17 news conference. Conservation appeals and warnings are part of an effort to “[ensure] grid reliability” instead of only letting Texans know when emergencies happen.
