HOUSTON – The Electric Reliability Council of Texas is forecasting that there will be more electrical demand from the grid than supply on Monday as extreme cold weather is expected this upcoming week.
For Monday morning, ERCOT is forecasting -1,184 megawatts of power reserve. Less than 2,500 megawatts is a concern.
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The forecast for Tuesday at 8 a.m. is -1,479 megawatts. Because this is a forecast of the grid conditions, this means that ERCOT can still take action and possibly turn on more power.
On Saturday, ERCOT also extended its weather watch to now run from Jan. 14- 17 due to the hard freeze that will impact the state.
The watch was originally issued from Jan. 15-17. An ERCOT weather watch is issued about three to five days before forecasted extreme weather and high demand on the grid.
During a weather watch, people should continue to keep an eye on the grid conditions.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas is also echoing the call from ERCOT for Texans to conserve electricity usage on Monday and Tuesday, if safe to do so.
On Monday, they ask for people to conserve specifically from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
“Due to continued freezing temperatures, very high demand and unseasonably low wind, operating reserves for the Texas power grid are expected to be low Monday morning, Jan. 15, before sunrise. ERCOT is expecting similar conditions on Tuesday, Jan. 16,” they said.
Here are some tips to help you conserve energy during high-demand periods:
- Cover windows with insulated curtains.
- Set ceiling fans on reverse to re-circulate the heat that builds up near the ceilings.
- Open blinds, drapes, or shades during the day (if the sun is shining) to warm your home.
- Avoid using large appliances.
- Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances.
- Commercial business: Turn off any lights and office equipment (or place them in sleep mode) when space is not in use.
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