Statewide electric consumption has set records for the month of July three consecutive days this week.
ERCOT, the state’s electric grid operator, has asked us to reduce usage during the peak hours between 3 and 7 p.m.
Timothy Crabb, the director of electric services at College Station Utilities (CSU), says we’re affected by less wind energy being produced and unscheduled shutdowns at two plants. Crabb says CSU consumption is within five percent of last year and within ten percent of what was produced in 2011, when high temperatures constantly exceed 100 degrees.
At BTU (Bryan Texas Utilities), energy accounts manager Elisabeth Thompson says their current demand is not any higher over last year and they are not getting close to reaching generation capacity.
Click below for comments from Timothy Crabb and Elisabeth Thompson, visiting with WTAW’s Bill Oliver:
News release from ERCOT, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas:
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), grid operator for most of Texas, is asking electric consumers to limit or reduce electric use where possible during the 3-7 p.m. peak demand hours today.
Electric demand this week has reached three consecutive July records, breaking 67,000 megawatts (MW) for the first time since 2011 on Wednesday, July 29, when demand stayed above 67,000 MW for three consecutive hours, peaking at 67,590 MW during the hour ending at 5 p.m.
“Although we have been able to keep up with these July records this week, we currently project somewhat higher demand during today’s peak hours,” said Dan Woodfin, ERCOT director of System Operations. ““Some additional plants have experienced unplanned outages, and we are expecting less wind generation during today’s peak.”
Consumers can help ensure the system is able to continue serving current power needs by taking the following steps to reduce demand on the system during the 3-7 p.m. peak demand hours:
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, coffeemakers, 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 late evening, not during peak demand hours.
“This is a precautionary measure to help ensure we can maintain overall reliability during this high-demand period,” said Woodfin. “Voluntary conservation, especially during the late afternoon and early evening hours, can help us ensure reliability throughout the ERCOT grid.”