ERCOT calls for Texans to reduce energy use Sunday due to high demand
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the state's grid operator, has asked Texans to conserve energy Sunday evening for the second time in just a few days due to high demand from the blazing temperatures across the state, a sudden loss of thermal generation and a reduction of solar generation at night.
At this time, ERCOT said it's not experiencing any emergency conditions. The voluntary conservation lasts from 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday. The state's grid operator asked Texans to conserve energy on Thursday due to high demand and low reserve power to back it up.
ERCOT predicts that the supply and demand will get within nearly 3,200 megawatts of each other. At its closest, ERCOT predicts available grid capacity will be at 82,314 megawatts, while the demand is at 79,153 megawatts at about 8:50 p.m.
(1/2) TXANS Update—8/20/23: ERCOT has issued a Voluntary Conservation Notice for 7 – 10 p.m. today, Aug. 20, due to extreme temperatures, continued high demand, & unexpected loss of thermal generation. Texans are asked to voluntarily reduce electric use, if safe to do so. pic.twitter.com/NacFpe67q3
— ERCOT (@ERCOT_ISO) August 20, 2023
"When electricity use gets too close to the amount of available generation, that can strain the statewide grid," a press release sent out by the City of Austin said. "Voluntary conservation is a widely used industry tool that can help lower demand for a specific period of peak demand time, which is typically late afternoon into the evening hours."
ERCOT said it's using reserve power, asking for large companies and electric users to lower their energy use and bringing more generation online.
ERCOT has asked all government agencies to limit power wherever available. The state set a new all-time weekend peak demand record of 84,805 megawatts on Saturday. The City of Austin recommends doing these things to help conserve energy:
Raise your thermostat by a few degrees.
If you have central air and heat, do not close vents in unused rooms. This could increase pressure and cause duct leaks.
If you have a window unit, close off unused rooms.
Close shades and curtains on windows hit by direct sunlight to prevent heat from getting indoors.
Avoid turning on the oven during the hottest time of the day.
Unplug appliances, chargers and electronic devices when you are not using them. They use energy even when they are turned off.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: ERCOT calls on Texans to reduce energy usage Sunday evening
