"Interruptible loads – large customers paid to be dropped in a level 2 emergency have been deployed," said Kent Saathoff, vice president of system planning and operations. The watch does not include rolling blackouts, however, electric capacity is expected to be tight during peak hours and ERCOT operators are closely monitoring the situation.
To help avoid an interruption to the power supply during the extreme heat, ERCOT has called on consumers to conserve energy every day this week between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., particularly between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
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.
•When away from home, set air conditioning thermostats to 85 degrees and turn all fans off. Block the sun by closing blinds or drapes on windows that will get direct sun.
•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.
Stacie Walker
Public Information Manager
City of Missouri City
1522 Texas Parkway
Missouri City, Texas 77489
