CenterPoint asks Galena Park ISD to help prevent rolling blackouts by turning off AC, district says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- On Tuesday, the air conditioning at multiple Galena Park ISD campuses was turned off after the district was asked to conserve energy.

According to Galena Park ISD, CenterPoint Energy called administrators to request that the air conditioning be shut off to reduce power consumption.

In a message sent to parents, Superintendent John Moore said the A/C was turned off from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in part of the power company's program to help eliminate rolling blackouts.

The district said this didn't impact any after-school activities, and everything resumed as scheduled.

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Galena Park ISD reassured parents that typically, campus buildings remain cool for two to three hours after the air conditioning is turned off.

"At this time, all students are safe, and classes are continuing as normal," Moore's message said in part. "We do not anticipate any disruptions. However, we will continue to monitor this situation and will address student needs as necessary."

CenterPoint Energy sent Eyewitness News the following statement:

"CenterPoint Energy deployed a test of our load management programs which are designed to reduce demand during peak energy usage periods. When conducting a load management test, participants receive a 30-minute notice to curtail their energy usage, if they decide to participate. Participation for each test is completely voluntary and determined by the participant. Those participants chose to be part of the program and have load curtailed."

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