Electric Council Asks Texans to Conserve Energy
Chris McCall, UHD assistant vice president for facilities management, said the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. (ERCOT), system operator for the state's bulk electricity transmission grid, initiated an Energy Emergency Alert yesterday and reminds the UHD community to conserve energy wherever possible during the hot weather.
ERCOT noted record energy use during peak usage hours of 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and council members expect high usage to continue given the forecasted high temperatures. If increased demand continues, ERCOT could institute service reductions or interruptions during peak usage hours. These so-called brown-outs or black-outs would take effect depending on the severity of the shortage and the demand for electricity.
"Whether at home or at work, we are all placing a demand on the Texas grid. Conservation at home is as important as conservation at work," McCall said.
Below are some suggestions to help conserve energy:
- Turn off lights when not needed
- Cut back on lighting in offices / areas with adequate exterior lighting
- Close blinds to exterior windows
- Power down PCs when leaving your work area
- Turn off coffeepots
- Turn off break room TVs
- Keep refrigerators closed
Other conservation tips from the Public Utility Commission are available at "Powerful Advice" .