ERCOT's voluntary power conservation order expires after 4-hour notice period
ERCOT's voluntary power conservation period expired mid-evening Tuesday as the grid held up amid extreme high temperatures.
Texans were being asked to conserve power from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. to help prevent rolling blackouts.
ERCOT, Texas' power grid operator, said Tuesday that while the grid is not in emergency operations, residents were being asked to reduce electric use if it's safe to do so.
The ERCOT website uses a graph to show the supply the state has -- demonstrated by a purple line -- and how much power is demanded -- shown with a blue line.
You can check the graph in real time on the ERCOT website.
If demand outstrips supply, blackouts may occur.
READ MORE: ERCOT issues power conservation alert amid near-record high temperatures in Texas
Officials offered these actions to help reduce electric use:
Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher - every degree of cooling increases your energy use by 6 to 8%.
Turn off lights and pool pumps and avoid using large appliances like ovens, washing machines and dryers.
If you don't need something - you're asked to turn it off and unplug it if possible.
SEE ALSO:
Texas Legislature approves bill to ban residential wholesale electricity plans
Tips for using ceiling fans to cool your home this summer
Source: KTRK-TV
