ERCOT expects Texas to hit a record for energy demand Friday.
Thursday’s energy demand-supply gap was worrisome.
Thursday, the government encouraged citizens to decrease energy use during peak hours to survive this heat.
With five weeks left, summer may be the worst on the Texas power grid.
“It’s always a good idea to be energy efficient, that’s something we’ve been teaching and preaching since the 70′s,” said Grayson Collin Electric Co-Op General Manager & CEO David McGinnis.
“Because no one wants to be without power,” remarked Lara Hollingsworth. Many solutions exist to preserve energy, especially during peak hours.
This is normally from 3 to 8 p.m., and ERCOT advises only doing so safely. “As the sun rises, close any blinds, shades, or drapes that block sunlight from entering the windows,” McGinnis advised.
“I try not to run heavy appliances in the daytime too, I’ll set those later in the night; dishwasher, washer/dryer,” Miguel Leal added. McGinnis said turning off lights in unoccupied rooms is enough.
McGinnis added that if demand exceeds generation, they issue voluntary conservation, which they did yesterday.
If not, ERCOT and other providers will find ways to preserve power.
The worst happens: rolling blackouts.
As we wait out this heat, ERCOT did not issue a voluntary conservation notice Friday, but we should be aware of our usage.