ERCOT ends appeal, Atmos continues to ask North Texans to conserve as bitter cold continues
NORTH TEXAS - ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) are had asked Texans to limit electricity use Monday morning due to continued freezing temperatures, very high demand, and unseasonably low wind.
According to the statement from ERCOT on Sunday, operating reserves were expected to be low Monday morning before the solar ramp-up. As a result, ERCOT asked that electricity use be preserved from 6 a.m. – 10 a.m.
ERCOT did end it's conservation appeal on time Monday morning, but said it expects similar conditions on Tuesday.
RELATED STORY: Will the Texas grid hold up in the freeze? Experts give their confidence scores
The council also requested all government agencies to reduce energy use at their facilities until at least 10 a.m. Monday.
Tips for reducing energy use:
- Set your thermostat at 68°F or lower - every degree of extra heating will increase energy usage 6-8%
- Dress warmly.
- Use more blankets at night.
- Set ceiling fans on reverse to re-circulate the heat that builds up near the ceiling.
- Cover windows on winter nights with insulated curtains.
- Open interior blinds, drapes, or shades during the day to let the sun warm your home.
Previously, ERCOT said the grid was prepared and issued a weather alert for Sunday through Wednesday. ERCOT expected conditions to remain stable, though with heightened demand and a drop in solar and wind energy production. The group says they are working with neighboring grid operators and market participants to get additional generation capacity.
Atmos Energy's ask for customers in the North Dallas area to conserve natural gas continues, to help maintain service due to high demand.
Atmos said the areas currently being asked to conserve natural gas use include North Dallas, Rowlett, the Lake Country area of Fort Worth, the Mira Vista area of Fort Worth, Mesquite, Allen, and Parker. For more information, click here.
Atmos is asking customers to avoid using natural gas ovens, stoves, or gas fireplaces between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and, if possible, postpone showers and baths or other activities that use hot water- like dishwashing and laundry.
Atmos also recommends turning the thermostat to 68 degrees or lower.