Despite cooler temperatures this week, the agency that manages the state’s power grid is urging Texans to reduce electricity from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. today (Monday, Aug. 29)
“Due to a high level of unexpected thermal generation outages and forecasted low wind generation, operating reserves … are expected to be low in the afternoon and evening,” ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) said in a news release. “As a result, ERCOT is asking Texans to conserve electricity use, if safe to do so …. we expect similar conditions to persist through tomorrow and ask Texans to stay tuned for additional communications.”
“Today’s conservation appeal does not indicate ERCOT is experiencing emergency conditions at this time,” the release said. “Current forecasts are showing a potential to enter emergency operations this evening because of high level of unexpected thermal generation and forecasted low wind generation. ERCOT will continue to closely monitor conditions throughout the day and will keep the public informed through our communications channels.”
The grid operator is requesting all government agencies (including city and county offices) to implement all programs to reduce energy use at their facilities.
ERCOT said conservation is a widely used industry tool that can help lower demand for a specific period of peak demand time, which is typically late afternoon into the evening hours. Energy-saving tips and other information can be found on the ERCOT website.
ERCOT is using additional tools to manage the grid reliably, the agency said, including using reserve power, calling upon reductions by large electric customers that have volunteered to lower their energy use, and bringing more generation online sooner. ERCOT is also working with out-of-state Independent System Operators (ISOs) and Market Participants to obtain additional power generation capacity.
If anyone is experiencing an outage at this time it is local in nature and not related to overall grid reliability, ERCOT said, adding that customers experiencing outages should contact their local electric provider.
