ERCOT: Systems back to normal, no outages expected

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ERCOT later lowered the warning level to an EEA 1 at approximately 8 a.m. and said no outages are expected but urged consumers and businesses to conserve power. “Cold morning drives up demand,” said ERCOT at 8:11 a.m. this morning. At approximately 9:30 a.m., ERCOT reported all systems were back to normal.

“We have brought on all available electric generation and have deployed all demand response programs that have contracted with ERCOT to reduce electric use in emergency situations,” said Dan Woodfin, ERCOT director of System Operations. “Conditions appear to be improving at this time, and we do not expect to implement rotating outages this morning."

Here are some ways to help until operating reserves are restored to target levels.:

• Keep your thermostat as low as is comfortable, preferably no higher than 68 degrees.
• Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances.
• Avoid running large appliances such as washers, dryers and electric ovens during peak energy demand hours (6-9 a.m. and 4-8 p.m.).
• Close shades and blinds at night to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.
• Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible.
• Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes.