ERCOT issues voluntary conservation notice
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An electric generator field at the Austin Energy/Sand Hill Energy Center on June 20. Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images
The Texas power grid operator called on residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce electricity use Tuesday as the prolonged heat wave brought yet another sweltering day of triple-digit temperatures.
Driving the news: Electric Reliability Council of Texas officials issued a voluntary conservation notice — the first of the year — from 4pm to 8pm Tuesday as anticipated demand came perilously close to the grid's power generation capacity.
- ERCOT's voluntary notice requested that all government agencies reduce energy at their facilities and called on Texans to conserve power if safe to do so.
- ERCOT issues the notice to try to avoid heading into energy emergency alerts that signal low reserves and could result in controlled outages.
Yes, but: The agency noted that the grid is not under emergency conditions.
What they're saying: "We do this to prevent getting into emergency conditions," ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas said during a Tuesday meeting.
Flashback: ERCOT set 11 new high-demand records last summer and called for voluntary conservation from Texans during 100-degree-plus days.
Be smart: Reduce energy use by raising your thermostat "by a degree or two" in the summer, according to ERCOT. Other energy-saving tips:
- Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances.
- Use ceiling fans and portable fans to circulate air.
- Close blinds or curtains on windows that receive direct sunlight.
- Use the air-dry option on your dishwasher if available and only run when fully loaded.
- Businesses should shut off air conditioning outside of business hours.
Of note: ERCOT previously issued a weather watch through June 21 and forecasted record high demand for energy.
Zoom out: The heat wave has helped fuel deadly Southern storms, including a series of tornadoes in Mississippi, a flash flood emergency in Arkansas, and large fires in New Mexico and Arizona.
What's next: It's not yet clear if another voluntary conservation notice will be issued for Wednesday.