The announcement Monday morning by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas followed an earlier one in which ERCOT said rolling blackouts may be necessary unless consumers reduced their use of electricity. An earlier email warning issued by ERCOT said "risk of power outages exist throughout Texas."
But the operator later said the system is recovering and that blackouts are not being considered.
ERCOT spokeswoman Robbie Searcy says frigid temperatures across much of the state resulted in high electric use.
Here are some ways to help until operating reserves are restored to target levels.:
- Keep your thermostat as low as is comfortable, preferably no higher than 68 degrees.
- Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances.
- Avoid running large appliances such as washers, dryers and electric ovens during peak energy demand hours (6-9 a.m. and 4-8 p.m.).
- Close shades and blinds at night to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.
- Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible.
- Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes.?
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