The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has issued a Voluntary Conservation Notice for this afternoon, 3-8pm, in order to reduce demand on the state’s electric grid.
Extremely hot temperatures, forecasted high demand, and low wind generation are the stated reasons for the notice. The notice comes a day after Austin set a new record for heat: 40 consecutive triple-digit days – and counting.
Today’s request follows Wednesday’s announcement of a Weather Watch through Friday due to forecasted triple digit temperatures. This is the second time this year ERCOT has asked for voluntary conservation, though this summer has shattered previous records for peak demand – the latest new record was on Aug. 10, with a recorded 85,435 megawatts. For comparison, in 2022, August’s peak demand day recorded 78,465 megawatts. The grid has been stable this summer largely due to increased solar production.
ERCOT is asking people to set their thermostats to 78 degrees, avoid using large appliances like washing machines and dryers, and turn off and unplug nonessential lights and appliances. It’s important to note this is voluntary, so only reduce energy usage if it is safe to do so. You can sign up for emergency ERCOT alerts and check projected supply and demand levels for the grid.
This article appears in August 11 • 2023.