AUSTIN (June 25, 2012)—As temperatures reached or topped the century mark for another day in Central Texas and around the state, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas asked consumers to conserve electricity, particularly from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. through the week.
The soaring temperatures mean an increase in demand for power, but ERCOT said it should have capacity to handle the load.
The company expected peak electric demand to exceed 65,000 megawatts Monday and Tuesday.
"For perspective, one MW is enough power to serve about 200 homes during peak demand, and ERCOT's record peak was 68,379 MW on Aug. 3, 2011," ERCOT spokesperson Robbie Searcy said.
Anyone wishing to stay informed can download ERCOT Energy Saver, a new mobile app available for Apple and Android devices.
Users of the free app need to enable push notifications to receive the messages.
ERCOT also provides information through Facebook, Twitter and ERCOT's new subscription-based EmergencyAlerts list.
To reduce demand on the grid during peak demand hours, users can turn their thermostat up two or three degrees when not at home, set pool pumps to run late at night or early in the morning, and avoid using large appliances such as a stove or clothes dryers during the peak hours, ERCOT officials said.
|
Lake Information Current Lake Levels Park and Facility Closures Miscellaneous Air Quality Monitoring Official U.S. Time National Weather Service NWS - Homepage NWS - Dallas/Fort Worth Office Local Weather Records Archived U.S. Climate Data Climate Prediction Center National Hurricane Center Storm Prediction Center Preparing For Severe Weather Severe Weather Safety Flood Safety Tips NOAA Weather Radio Travel Information Texas Road Conditions U.S. Flight Delays Weather Projects Rusty's Classroom Weather Lon's Weather Page |
