Those who manage the state’s electric supply are asking again to turn off non-essential devices until after 7 p.m.
The request, forwarded from BTU and College Station Utilities, comes from ERCOT, the Electric Reliability Council Of Texas.
The request applies statewide and continues all week due to expected record high temperatures.
Officials say when daily operating reserves are not enough to keep up with demand, emergency procedures will start. That includes buying more expensive electricity and cutting off electricity from large industrial customers under contract to be dropped in emergency situations.
ERCOT reported Texans consumed a record amount of energy statewide in April, May, and June. July numbers are not available, but the state did set peak usage records for July, June, and May.
ERCOT has these ideas to conserve electricty:
- 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 to cool the air.
- 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.