Texas Utility Urges Conservation Amid Record Electricity Use

AUSTIN, TX — The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) utility on Tuesday urged customers to exercise conservation efforts as high temperatures were expected to result in record demand for electricity.

"The ERCOT region continues to experience sustained heat and record-setting load," officials said in a press release. "Consumers and businesses are urged to reduce their electricity now through 7 p.m."

ERCOT President/CEO Bill Magness amplified the request: "High temperatures have resulted in record electricity demand over the last few days and may result in a new record today," he said in a prepared statement. "Consumers can help lower energy consumption by taking some simple actions between the hours of 3 and 7 p.m."

To that end, officials provided suggested measures to help reduce electricity use:

• Turn thermostat up 2 to 3 degrees during the peak hours of 3 to 7 p.m.
• Set programmable thermostats to higher temperatures when no one is home.
• Use fans to feel 4 to 6 degrees cooler.
• Limit use of large appliances (i.e., dishwasher, washer, dryer, etc.) to morning or after 7 p.m.
• If you cook indoors from 3 to 7 p.m., use a microwave or slow cooker.
• Close blinds and drapes during late afternoon.
• Schedule pool pumps to run in the early morning or overnight hours; shut off between 4 and 6 p.m.

You can find more conservation tips from ERCOT.

Consumer assistance

Public Utility Commission of Texas Hotline – 1-888-782-8477

Much of Texas has seen triple-digit heat in the last few days, with Tuesday's high temperature in Austin reaching 103 degrees. The heat index makes it feel much hotter — up to 110 degrees in some cases. As a result of this sweltering heat, residents are cranking up their air conditioning systems for relief — creating record levels of demand in the process.

Related story: Heat Advisory Issued For Central Texas Amid Triple-Digit Temps

For several days running, the National Weather Service has felt compelled to issue heat advisory alerts to enhance the message of potential health risks associated with high heat.

ERCOT region
The ERCOT region includes the urban load centers of Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin, as well as most of West Texas, portions of the Panhandle and the Rio Grande Valley. You can see an ERCOT region map here.

The municipally owned utility, Austin Energy, also urged conservation measures but short of issuing an emergency alert.

An Austin Energy official recently joined a water utility counterpart in offering their own set of conservation tips: