The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has issued a "Voluntary Conservation Notice" in anticipation of extreme temperatures.
This comes after ERCOT issued a Weather Watch on August 12, warning of high demand and lower reserves due to low wind generation. Texans are being asked to voluntarily reduce their electricity usage, if it is safe to do so.
In a statement posted on their website, ERCOT explained that the voluntary notice is the third level of a four-level system, with an "Energy Emergency Alert (EEA)" being the highest risk. During an EEA, controlled outages may be necessary to manage extremely low energy reserves.
To help consumers conserve energy, ERCOT provides tips on its website, such as raising the thermostat by a degree or two, avoiding the use of large appliances, and turning off non-essential lights and appliances. They also recommend running pool pumps early in the morning or overnight.
ERCOT emphasizes that conservation is a common tool used in the industry to support grid reliability. The company issues a "Weather Watch" alert to provide a three to five-day forecast of possible higher demand due to weather conditions. The Voluntary Conservation Notice is a call for Texans to reduce energy usage during peak demand periods, where it is safe to do so.
This is not the first time ERCOT has made such a request. In June, the company asked consumers to conserve energy during a major heatwave. Wind power, which accounts for 24 percent of electricity production in Texas, has been a concern as it has not been generating enough power to meet peak demand.
Dr. Todd Griffith from UT Dallas' Wind Energy Center explained that on days with lower wind, other sources such as natural gas, coal, and nuclear power need to compensate.
Texas is home to the largest number of wind turbines in the country, with approximately 15,000 spread throughout the state. Despite the challenges, ERCOT ended its Weather Watch on Friday at midnight and expressed gratitude to residents and businesses for their conservation efforts.
As temperatures continue to rise, it is crucial for Texans to heed the voluntary conservation notice and do their part in reducing energy usage.
By taking simple steps to conserve energy, individuals can contribute to the reliability of the grid and help ensure a stable supply of electricity during peak demand periods.
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