Update 8:15 p.m.  – The call for conservation period has ended and the grid is operating in normal conditions.

 

With excessive heat across the state and lower forecast wind generation during peak hours, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas has issued a call for voluntary conservation efforts between the hours of 3-8 p.m. August 17.

The afternoon and evening energy generation and demand forecast shows tight grid conditions during that timeframe, and consumers’ reduction of demand can help ensure that there is enough power to operate as normal.

We will post updates with any additional information as it is released.

Energy Saving Tips:

Air conditioning is the quickest way to reduce energy usage. By raising your thermostat a few degrees you can reduce the amount of time your A/C unit runs with minimal comfort affects, particularly when combined with ceiling fans.

Laundry and cooking can also be an energy draw. Put these tasks off until later in the day, and you will also generate less heat in your home, reducing the load on the air conditioner.

Close curtains and blinds to reduce heat buildup from the sun.

Turn off water heaters and unplug non-essential appliances and electronics.

Put off any electric vehicle charging until later in the evening if possible.

 

Statement from ERCOT:

NEWS RELEASE

August 17, 2023

ERCOT Issues Voluntary Conservation Notice

Effective Today, August 17 from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. CT.(Austin, TX) – ERCOT is asking Texans to voluntarily reduce electricity use, if safe to do so, due to extreme temperatures, forecasted high demand, and lower reserves. This Voluntary Conservation Notice is in effect today, August 17, from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. CT.

The Voluntary Conservation Notice is part of ERCOT’s Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS), alerting the public of grid conditions. Last week, ERCOT extended the Weather Watch through August 18 due to forecasted higher temperatures, higher electrical demand, and the potential for lower reserves.

ERCOT is requesting all government agencies (including city and county offices) to implement all programs to reduce energy use at their facilities.

 

ERCOT is not experiencing emergency conditions at this time. Voluntary conservation is a widely used industry tool that can help lower demand for a specific period of peak demand time, which is typically late afternoon into the evening hours.

ERCOT is using additional tools to manage the grid reliably, including using reserve power, calling upon reductions by large electric customers that have volunteered to lower their energy use, and bringing more generation online sooner.

If you are experiencing an outage, it is local in nature and not related to overall grid reliability. Please check with your local electric provider for more information.

Energy-saving tips can be found on the TXANS webpage at ercot.com/txans.

Peak Demand

  • ERCOT set a new, all-time, unofficial peak demand record of 85,435 MW on August 10, 2023.
  • In 2022, the August peak demand was 78,465 MW.
  • This summer, ERCOT has set 10 new all-time peak demand records.
  • Last summer, ERCOT set 11 new peak demand records with a high of 80,148 MW on July 20.

Why the Request to Voluntarily Reduce Usage?

  • Extreme Heat. Much of Texas is seeing a return to extreme temperatures today.
  • Record Demand. Texas is seeing near-record demand due to the heat.
  • Solar. Solar generation declines into the evening hours, before completely going offline at sunset.
  • Wind. Lower wind generation is forecasted for this afternoon during peak demand time.

Consumer Assistance

  • Public Utility Commission of Texas Hotline: 1-888-782-8477

Stay Updated

  • Sign up for TXANS notifications on the TXANS webpage.
  • Download the ERCOT Mobile App for additional notifications: iOS | Android.
  • Monitor real-time and extended conditions at ercot.com.
  • Subscribe to ERCOT Emergency Alerts which are not sent through TXANS notifications.
  • Follow ERCOT on Twitter (@ERCOT_ISO), Facebook (Electric Reliability Council of Texas), and LinkedIn (ERCOT