Public Utility Commission of Texas, ERCOT request customer energy conservation during high heat conditions

With greater than 100 degree temperatures possible and record electricity demands being set, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) have asked residents to cut electricity use in the afternoons.

A peak demand record was reached earlier this week when demand reached 68,546 megawatts. This beat the previous September record, set in 2016, by more than 1,500 MW.

“Over the past few weeks, the ERCOT system has experienced significant demand due to sustained high temperatures and a thriving economy.” sad DeAnn Walker, Chairman of the PUC, said. “Operating at high efficiency like this can be a bit of a balancing act, so the PUC and ERCOT are working together to encourage Texans to conserve on Thursday and Friday afternoon.”

According to the PUC, the adjustments requested are minor. However, both ERCOT and the PUC agree that adjustments should be primarily made between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. by both consumers and businesses. Bumping air conditioning thermostats up just two degrees and turning off unnecessary lighting could be a major help, and the organizations also request measures like waiting until after sunset to use energy intensive appliances.

“ERCOT’s job is to ensure power is available all over Texas,” ERCOT President and CEO Bill Magness said. “When electricity demand and heat reach levels like we expect on Thursday and Friday, we ask Texans to consider taking a few steps to help keep power flowing for all of us.”

Certain areas of Texas are expected to reach their highest temperatures of the summer so far, according to the National Weather Service. All major Texas metropolitan areas will likely experience temperatures above 100 degrees through Sep. 7.