PUC Encourages Electricity Conservation

The Public Utility Commission is continuing its YELLOW Conservation Alert this week for higher than normal temperatures and record high electricity demand. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for most of Texas through Friday. On Wednesday the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) reported the highest electricity demand ever within its system.

While electricity supplies are expected to be adequate, the PUC alerts customers to be thoughtful about electricity use to prevent unnecessary demand and save money. The current conservation alert can be found the PowerfulAdvice section on the PUC Web site by linking to the colored box near the lower right corner of the PUC home page.

On YELLOW days, extra conservation measures are urged because electricity shortages may occur during peak usage hours between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. A YELLOW Alert will be declared for days where temperatures statewide are expected to be extremely hot, leading to record or near-record electricity consumption. A YELLOW Alert also will be declared if unexpected high demand and unexpected outages of power plants occur. During YELLOW alerts there is a potential declaration of level 1 of ERCOT’s Emergency Alert (EEA), which includes procurement of additional generation. An inability to get more generation could lead to a declaration of EEA level 2, which includes interruptible loads, usually to large industrial electric customers. Customers are encouraged to reduce their electricity use as much as possible.

Turn off all unnecessary lights, appliances, and electronic equipment.

When at home, close blinds and drapes that get direct sun, set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, and use fans to cool the air.

When away from home, set air conditioning thermostats to 85 degrees and turn all fans off before you leave. Block the sun by closing blinds or drapes on windows that will get direct sun.

Do not use your dishwasher, laundry equipment, hair dryers, coffee makers, or other home appliances.

Avoid opening refrigerators or freezers more than necessary. Use microwaves for cooking instead of an electric range or oven.

Set your pool pump to run in the early morning or evening instead of the afternoon.

Go to www.powertochoose.org to see if you can save money by switching to a lower cost retail electricity provider. Your choice of electric provider does not affect the reliability of your electric service, the frequency or duration of outages, or the time it will take to have your electric service restored if an outage occurs.

 http://www.puc.state.tx.us/nrelease/2009/070909.pdf