ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) is asking consumers to reduce energy consumption during peak-demand times this evening -- 6-10 pm - and tomorrow morning from 6 - 8 am.
Tonight's peak demand is forecast to hit 54,900 MW between 7-8 pm. The morning peak was 53,223 MW - with 4,000 MW dropped via rotating outages -- at 9-10 am.
At this time, the forecast for tomorrow's peak load is 56,800 MW for 7-8 am.
ERCOT's current record for all time winter peak demand is 55,878 MW, which occurred on Jan. 8, 2010.
Rotating outages are controlled, temporary interruptions of electrical service initiated by each utility when supplies of reserve power are exhausted. Without this safety valve, generators would overload and begin shutting down to avoid damage, risking a domino effect of a state-wide outage.
Utilities/transmission providers determine the location/scheduling of the rotating outages.
PUC and ERCOT are urging consumers to reduce their electricity usage to the lowest possible levels with these recommended steps:
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Rotating outages are limited in duration to between 10 and 45 minutes, unless equipment trips due to a power surge during the restoration process.
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Limit electricity usage to only that consumption which is absolutely necessary. Turn off all unnecessary lights, appliances, and electronic equipment to minimize the chance or power surges. Leave one task light on to determine when power has been restored.
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Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible.
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Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes. Customers can minimize the chance that power surges will occur by turning off all appliances, lights, and other electrical equipment. Leave one task light on to determine when power has been restored.
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Minimize unnecessary travel as traffic signals may go out of service resulting in traffic jams.
