Frigid temperatures and high demand for electricity across Texas has led to emergency electric service operations in the Hill Country on Monday morning.
The Pedernales Electric Cooperative is asking customers across its service territory—which includes parts of Georgetown, Leander, Cedar Park, Austin, Lakeway, Dripping Springs, Buda, Kyle and San Marcos—to reduce demand and prepare for service interruptions to continue throughout the day, according to a news release from the utility.
“If an interruption occurs in your area, please take proactive steps for power restoration,” the release stated. “All electrical appliances affected by the service disruption should be turned off, as well as circuit breakers to major appliances. Once power is restored members can avoid electrical overload by turning their appliances back on in 15-minute intervals."
Across the state, demand for electricity is at an all-time high while at the same time electric utilities are struggling to keep enough generators operating, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the electricity grid for Texas. Residents should expect emergency operations to continue through Tuesday, according to a statement on ERCOT's website.
