Here we go again: ERCOT calls on Texans to conserve energy Wednesday evening
For the second day in a row, ERCOT is asking Texans to conserve energy.
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For the second day in a row, ERCOT is asking Texans to conserve energy.
On Tuesday, Texans were asked to cut back on their power usage between the hours of 5 and 9 p.m., but for a unique reason.
The weather watch has been extended until Aug. 18.
ERCOT has extended its weather watch through Friday, warning that power reserves could be low as extreme heat sticks around and power consumption increases.
Record-high temperatures result in higher electrical demand, which could lower reserves.
Although power reserves might be lower, ERCOT says grid conditions are expected to be normal and they will monitor conditions closely.
A viewer asked CBS News Texas this question about solar panels: "Based on the sales pitch we get from the solar guys, they must be a huge savings on the electric bills. True or not?"
ERCOT has issued another weather watch for July 16-18, warning that due to forecasted higher temperatures, there will be higher electrical demand.
The U.S. Department of Energy announced Thursday that it will award the funds so that Texas' power grid might better withstand extreme weather events. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created the grant program.
Even though smart meters have been around for years, they still make some Texans uneasy.
There is currently enough capacity to meet the forecasted demand, ERCOT says.
When wind production is low in Texas, ERCOT, the states electric grid operator needs to find other ways to make up for power generation.
The Texas Senate passed a new bill to attract new natural gas-fired power plants after SB 6, a priority bill, stalled in the Texas House.
ERCOT is warning that peak demand for electricity this summer will exceed the amount that can be generated.
Grid operators cautioned Wednesday the state won't have enough on-demand power generation to meet the need during peak hours this summer.
Grid operators cautioned Wednesday the state won't have enough on-demand power generation to meet the need during peak hours this summer.
"We are much better off today," said ERCOT's interim CEO.
Some state lawmakers are criticizing a recommended plan by the Public Utility Commission of Texas to make the state's electric grid more reliable as the population continues to grow.
Dr. Bud Weinstein, the former associate director of the Maguire Energy Institute at SMU, said he thinks Texas is "pretty well prepared."
After six months and more than $600,000 in taxpayer money, the Public Utility Commission released the report by E3, a private research firm.
