The governing body that manages the state’s power grid is calling on Texans to conserve energy on Tuesday afternoon and evening as demand approaches supply.
Texas Electric Reliability Council tweeted at 4:42 p.m. Tuesday asking consumers and businesses to reduce power consumption by evening.
On Tuesday afternoon, high temperatures in much of North Texas stood in the upper 70s and low 80s.
“Due to a combination of typical high-generation sizes in April and higher-than-expected demand for a stagnant cold front over Texas, ERCOT may enter emergency conditions this afternoon,” Woody Rickerson said. ERCC Vice President of Grid Planning and Operations. statement. “Given the event in February, it is important to keep in mind that we do not expect interruptions from customers. Rather, this declaration of emergency allows us to access tools that will realign supply and demand. “
ERCOT suggested the following steps to help save energy.
- Turn off unnecessary equipment and lights.
- Raise the thermostat 2 to 3 degrees.
- Set programmable thermostats to higher temperatures when no one is home.
- Use the fans to feel cool 4 to 6 degrees.
- Limit the use of large appliances (i.e. dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, etc.).
- If cooking indoors, use a microwave or slow cooker.
- Close blinds and curtains in the late afternoon.
- Schedule pool pumps to run early in the morning or at night.
This is a developing story. Please check for updates again.