ERCOT Urges Energy Conservation Through Tuesday

8/29/11

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) urges energy conservation through Tuesday. Over the weekend, ERCOT posted a "Power Watch Conservation Needed" grid condition along with a press release stating, "As we expected, this weekend’s temperatures and electricity usage have been record-breaking. ERCOT broke a new record yesterday for peak weekend usage and it’s likely that we’ll hit a new all-time peak demand record on Monday or Tuesday. We can’t stress this enough; we need everyone to conserve electricity from 3-7 p.m. If every person in ERCOT does a little, it makes a huge difference."

To conserve electricity, ERCOT recommends, "Consumers can help by shutting off unnecessary lights and electrical appliances between 3 and 7 p.m., and delaying laundry and other activities requiring electricity-consuming appliances until later in the evening. Other conservation tips from the Public Utility Commission’s “Powerful Advice” include:

Turn off all unnecessary lights, appliances, and electronic equipment.
When at home, close blinds and drapes that get direct sun, set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, and use fans in occupied rooms to feel cooler.
When away from home, set air conditioning thermostats to 85 degrees and turn all fans off before you leave. Block the sun by closing blinds or drapes on windows that will get direct sun.
Do not use your dishwasher, laundry equipment, hair dryers, coffee makers, or other home appliances during the peak hours of 3 to 7 p.m.
Avoid opening refrigerators or freezers more than necessary.
Use microwaves for cooking instead of an electric range or oven.
Set your pool pump to run in the early morning or evening instead of the afternoon.

Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible. Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes.

ERCOT CEO: Thank you for conserving electricity"