The Public Utility Commission of Texas today echoed a call from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas for electricity conservation. Narrow margins between cold-driven demand and the supply of available power across the state are expected to occur periodically through Tuesday.
ERCOT has called upon power consumers across the grid to reduce their electricity use as much as possible from Sunday, February 14, to Tuesday, February 16.
Household tips for reducing electricity use, include:
- Turning down thermostats to 68-degrees or lower.
- Closing shades and blinds to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.
- Turning off and unplugging non-essential lights and appliances.
- Avoiding use of large appliances (i.e., ovens, washing machines, etc.).
Businesses should also minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible or even consider reducing non-essential production processes. To learn more about power saving tips, please visit PowerToSaveTexas.org.
Additionally, ERCOT has directed CenterPoint Energy to conduct controlled rotating outages throughout the greater Houston region. CenterPoint Energy is attempting to limit the duration of each outage to less than one hour. These controlled rolling outages are emergency measures designed to avoid potentially longer, and more widespread power outages. You can report and track electric power outages using the CenterPoint Energy Outage Tracker www.centerpointenergy.com/outagetracker. You can also contact CenterPoint Energy at 800-332-7143
The City will continue to provide weather updates, additional road closures, and other changes to city services through our website and social media outlets.