Summer temperatures are heating up, which means the Electric Reliability Council of Texas is experiencing an increase in electric demand. On Monday, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson held a news conference to provide an update on the current gird status, explain ERCOT’s emergency alert levels, and offer energy-saving tips for residents.
“As temperatures soar and demand for electricity peaks, we all have a role to play in ensuring the stability of our power grid,” Watson said. “By taking small but meaningful steps to reduce energy consumption, we can help prevent outages and protect our community.
Austin Energy recommends residents to conserve energy when possible by:
- Raising thermostats by a few degrees, especially during peak hours.
- Delaying the use of large appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, until after peak hours.
- Turning off lights and unplugging devices when not in use.
- Utilizing fans to stay cool.
