ERCOT cancels the energy conservation notice for jeans and issues another alert

HOUSTON – Hours after canceling the emergency conservation warning issued Tuesday, the Texas Electric Reliability Council issued another advisory warning on Wednesday about a possible reserve power shortage.

On Tuesday night, the agency sent the following message to retail electricity suppliers and the Texas Public Utility Commission:

“Insufficient capacity: ERCOT is issuing an OCN for a planned reserve capacity shortage for hours ending 13:00 to 20:00. ERCOT is asking all QSEs to update their COPs.”

ERCOT is not yet asking people and businesses to conserve electricity, but the message indicates that this request could be made again Wednesday in jeans.

ERCOT officials said Tuesday’s conservation request was due to high generator cuts, which is typical in April, and higher-than-expected demand caused by a stagnant cold front over Texas.

Woody Rickerson, ERCOT’s Vice President of Grid Planning and Operations, released the following statement on Tuesday’s notice:

Announcements

“Due to a combination of typical high-generation sizes in April and higher-than-expected demand for a stagnant cold front in Texas, ERCOT may enter emergency conditions this afternoon.

“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. “