ERCOT Expects Tight Grid Conditions, Requests Conservation Today from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. CT

(Austin, TX) – Due to a high level of unexpected thermal generation outages and forecasted low wind generation, operating reserves for ERCOT are expected to be low in the afternoon and evening. As a result, ERCOT is asking Texans to conserve electricity use, if safe to do so, today, August 29, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. CT.  We expect similar conditions to persist through tomorrow and ask Texans to stay tuned for additional communications.

Today’s conservation appeal does not indicate ERCOT is experiencing emergency conditions at this time. Current forecasts are showing a potential to enter emergency operations this evening because of high level of unexpected thermal generation forecasted low wind generation. ERCOT will continue to closely monitor conditions throughout the day and will keep the public informed through our communications channels.

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

ERCOT continues to use 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. ERCOT is also working with out-of-state Independent System Operators (ISOs) and Market Participants to obtain additional power generation capacity. ERCOT has also requested Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) enforcement discretion, which allows a generator to extend its service/run-time/operations to help meet demand, if needed, and maintain grid reliability.

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

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

Why the Request to Reduce Usage?

• Wind. Wind generation is forecasted to be lower this afternoon/evening during peak demand time.
• Thermal Generation. High level of unexpected thermal generation outages.

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.

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).

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