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ERCOT Ends Energy Emergency Alert conditions for Sept. 6, more conservation may be needed this week

September 7, 2023

Thank you for conserving energy. Austin Energy customers helped reduce demand on The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) system and protected the statewide system. ERCOT — the Texas grid operator — ended its Energy Emergency conditions as the situation on the grid has improved.

With the continued hot weather this week, there may be more need for conservation. For the latest ERCOT grid information, visit ercot.com/txans. Austin Energy will also keep current condition information at austinenergy.com/alerts. This is the best way to stay up to date.

Steps to reduce electricity use

  • Raise thermostats by a few degrees.
  • For central air and heat, do not close vents in unused rooms. This could increase pressure and cause duct leaks.
  • For window units, close off unused rooms.
  • Close shades and curtains on windows hit by direct sunlight to prevent heat from getting indoors.
  • Avoid turning on the oven during the hottest time of the day.
  • Unplug appliances, chargers and electronic devices when not in use. They use energy even when they are turned off.

Find more conservation tips at austinenergy.com/summer.

ERCOT has emergency levels to help keep power flowing during periods of high electric demand and low reserves. EEAs are ERCOT’s emergency levels and may be issued with little notice.

Here’s what you need to know about EEAs:

  • EEA 1 is the first level of ERCOT’s energy emergency alerts. It means reserves are low and allows ERCOT to call on all available power supplies, if available.
  • EEA 2, our current stage, is the second-level alert and occurs when reserves are lower than an EEA 1. ERCOT may interrupt power to large industrial customers who have agreed to have their electricity turned off in an emergency.
  • EEA 3 is used as a last resort to help protect the reliability of the ERCOT grid. This can mean controlled power outages for our community. The timing of these outages depends on grid conditions and ERCOT direction. Controlled outages typically last up to 40 minutes before being rotated to another location.

Continue to monitor Austin Energy on Twitter, Facebook and austinenergy.com/alerts for updates.