AUSTIN, Texas — Due to the extreme temperatures and demand for electricity, ERCOT is asking Texans to reduce their energy usage by issuing a voluntary conservation notice.
This decision comes after June broke a demand record with 79,304 MW on Monday, June 19, compared to last June's record of 76,718 MW. ERCOT also said that last summer, it set 11 new peak demand records and broke an all-time record of 80,148 MW on July 20, 2022.
ERCOT had previously issued a Weather Watch that remains in effect through Wednesday, June 21.
The voluntary conservation notice will go into effect from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday for all government agencies, which includes City and County offices. ERCOT is asking these companies "to implement all programs to reduce energy use at their facilities."
ERCOT has so far reported no emergency conditions. Instead, this notice is to help lower demand during peak demand time, which is late afternoon into the evening hours.
There are many reasons that ERCOT may ask customers to reduce usage, including extreme heat, record demand, thermal outages, solar and wind.
Austin Energy said there are several ways customers can help the electrical grid, including:
- Turn up your thermostats a few degrees
- Fans can help cool a place by 4 to 6 degrees
- Have pool pumps run in the early morning or overnight
- Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances
- Avoid using large appliances such as your washer and dryer and ovens
- Businesses should minimize lighting and electrical equipment
You can find more energy-saving tips on ERCOT's website.