WEATHER NEWS
ERCOT asks Texans to conserve electricity on June 20 due to extreme heat
ERCOT is asking Texans to conserve electricity from 4 to 8 pm Tuesday, June 20. The voluntary conservation notice comes ahead of predicted extreme heat and demand for energy that could break a record for the state, they say.
ERCOT is not in emergency operations, and controlled outages are not needed, they say.
Voluntary conservation notices are issued when ERCOT - The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the flow of electric power across Texas - deems it necessary while monitoring forecasted weather conditions across the state. High temperatures lead to higher energy use to keep homes and buildings cool.
ERCOT lists several suggestions for Texans to reduce their power use:
- Raise thermostats by "a degree or two" in the summer
- Avoid using large appliances
- Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances
- Shut off pool pumps during peak hours, and set them to run during the early morning or at night
ERCOT also requests all government agencies (including city and county offices) implement any and all programs to reduce energy use at their facilities.
More information about the voluntary conservation notice and energy-saving tips can be found at ercot.com. Texans can stay informed about power grid conditions and notices by signing up for ERCOT's email list.