Texas Tells Consumers to Conserve Electricity as Wind Energy Falls Short

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has warned power consumers in Texas to conserve energy on Monday afternoon and evening because there will not be enough wind power to operate the power grid reliably in peak demand.

ERCOT appeals for conservation from 2-8 p.m. Monday, July 11. More details available: https://t.co/CVBehrr5J1 @PUCTX #txlege

— ERCOT (@ERCOT_ISO) July 11, 2022

Though Texas is known for its role in the oil industry, it is also the nation’s number-one producer of wind energy. During a cold snap in the winter of 2021, however, wind turbines froze and many Texans found themselves without electricity.

Now that scenario is likely to repeat itself, albeit due to high temperatures that are accompanied by calm conditions.

ERCOT said in a statement:

With extreme hot weather driving record power demand across Texas, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is issuing a Conservation Appeal, asking Texans and Texas businesses to voluntarily conserve electricity, Monday, July 11 between 2-8 p.m. ERCOT also issued a Watch for a projected reserve capacity shortage from 2-8 p.m. At this time, no system-wide outages are expected. – READ MORE