Texas power grid operator issues appeal to conserve electricity day after emergency alert
ERCOT is asking Texans to conserve electricity use this evening because of high demand and declining wind and solar generation. Highs Thursday and Friday in Dallas-Fort Worth are expected to reach 108.
The agency manages Texas’ electricity grid.
Residents and businesses are asked to conserve between 5 and 9 p.m. Thursday, and all government agencies have been asked to reduce energy use. ERCOT expects similar conditions on Friday, according to the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
The call for conservation follows the agency’s move into emergency operations on Wednesday night. An Energy Emergency Alert Level 2 was issued shortly before 8 p.m. for the first time this summer “to maintain reliability of the grid.” It was lifted at 8:40 p.m.
Entering emergency operations meant there was a risk that rolling blackouts might be necessary as operating reserves declined.
To reduce energy use at home, raise your thermostat by 1 or 2 degrees and avoid running large appliances. You can find energy-saving tips at ercot.com/txans.
This story was originally published September 7, 2023 at 11:54 AM.
