Critical generation outages driving tight grid conditions
The Public Utility Commission of Texas today echoed a call from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to encourage electricity conservation in Texas homes and businesses for the coming week. ERCOT has reported the loss of more than 11,000 megawatts of generation due to “forced outages.” Forced outages are unscheduled and result from the failure of a power plant to function as designed.
Texans are being asked to take simple steps in their homes and businesses to reduce demand on the grid. As temperatures peak in the late afternoon, air conditioning use typically follows suit, causing demand to surge between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. The PUC advises residential and business customers alike to reduce electricity usage with simple adjustments: Raise air conditioning thermostats at least two degrees and turn off unnecessary lighting. Customers should also wait until after sunset to run dishwashing and laundry appliances.
The PUC also maintains a friendly source of low-cost conservation tips and other energy efficiency-related home improvements at www.PowerToSaveTexas.org.
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About the Public Utility Commission
Our mission is to serve Texans by regulating the state’s electric, telecommunication, and water and sewer utilities, implementing respective legislation, and offering customer assistance in resolving consumer complaints. Since its founding in 1975, the Commission has a long and proud history of service to Texas, protecting customers, fostering competition, and promoting high quality infrastructure. To learn more, please visit http://www.puc.texas.gov.
