Power Watch: High Electricity Demand Today; Conservation Needed

Power Watch – Conservation Needed

Electric Grid Operator Predicting High Electricity Demand Today

August 5, 2009 -- The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT),
grid operator for most of the state, and the Public Utility
Commission, are encouraging consumers and businesses to reduce their
electricity use today during peak electricity hours from 3 to 7 p.m.
due to expected high electricity usage.

"We have restricted reserves available today due to several unplanned
generation outages," Vice President of System Planning and Operations
Kent Saathoff said.  "We don't anticipate any electricity emergencies
today, but any additional generation outages or higher-than-expected
loads could reduce our reserves below minimum levels."

If reserves drop below certain levels, ERCOT operators can implement a
series of progressive steps in the Energy Emergency Alert procedures
that will provide additional emergency resources at each level.

The peak electricity demand is expected to be more than 63,200
megawatts (MW) today.  The current record for peak demand is 63,453 MW
which occurred July 13, 2009.  (One megawatt typically powers about
200 average homes during hot summer weather.)

Businesses and consumers are encouraged to:

- Set air conditioning thermostats to 80 degrees or higher.

- Cool with fans.

- Close blinds and drapes on windows that get direct sun.

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

- Avoid using big appliances between the hours of 3 to 7 p.m.

See more conservation tips at "Powerful Advice," Public Utility
Commission of Texas: www.puc.state.tx.us./ocp/conserve

BACKGROUND

Power Watches are issued by the regional electric grid operator, the
Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), during periods of high
demand when supplies of reserve power are low.  At this stage, ERCOT
has emergency measures to bring on additional generation, so rotating
outages are not likely.  However, if all sources of supplies are
exhausted or large generation outages occur, ERCOT will order
utilities to begin reducing load by cutting service through rotating
outages.

Conservation Tips:
http://www.puc.state.tx.us/ocp/conserve/index.cfm