ERCOT warns Texans to conserve electricity Monday afternoon to avoid rolling blackouts
The operator of the major power grid in Texas asked people in the state to conserve electricity on Monday during a period when it expects a record high demand.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas issued a conservation appeal from 2 to 8 p.m. and a watch for a projected reserve capacity shortage.
No systemwide outages were expected, the grid operator said late Sunday, but a shortage in energy reserves could mean a risk of rolling blackouts.
Hot temperatures were forecast to continue through at least the next week in North Texas, with highs ranging from 100 to 107 degrees, according to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth.
Electricity reduction could be achieved by turning up thermostats by a degree or two or postponing running pool pumps or major appliances such as dishwashers, washers and dryers, according to the Public Utility Commission. ERCOT encouraged electric customers to visit the PUC’s website or their electric provider’s website for more conservation tips.
ERCOT said that it was using reserve power and calling upon large electric customers who have volunteered to reduce their energy use.
Projections on Sunday showed that wind generation would come in at less than 10% of capacity, according to ERCOT.
You can monitor grid conditions through ERCOT’s online dashboard.
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