ERCOT Asks Texans to Conserve Energy as Demand Rises – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

The governing body that manages the state’s power grid is calling on Texans to conserve energy Tuesday afternoon and evening as demand nears the available supply.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas tweeted at 4:42 p.m. Tuesday asking consumers and businesses to reduce their power usage into the evening.

High temperatures across much of North Texas Tuesday afternoon were in the upper 70s and low 80s.

“Due to a combination of high generation outages typical in April and higher-than-forecasted demand from a stalled cold front over Texas, ERCOT may enter into emergency conditions this afternoon,” ERCOT Vice President of Grid Planning and Operations Woody Rickerson said in a statement. “Given the event in February, it is important to note that we do not expect customer outages. Rather, this emergency declaration allows us to access tools that will bring supply and demand back into line.”

ERCOT suggested the following steps to help conserve energy.

• Turn off any unnecessary lights and equipment.
• Turn thermostat up 2 to 3 degrees.
• Set programmable thermostats to higher temperatures when no one is home.
• Use fans to feel 4 to 6 degrees cooler.
• Limit use of large appliances (i.e., dishwasher, washer, dryer, etc.).
• If you cook indoors, use a microwave or slow cooker.
• Close blinds and drapes during late afternoon.
• Schedule pool pumps to run in the early morning or overnight hours.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.