ERCOT cancels Energy Emergency Alert

SAN ANTONIO – Update at 5:15 p.m.: The alert was canceled at 5:15 p.m., although the Electric Reliability Council of Texas said that "conservation is still encouraged."

Original story:

For the second time this week, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the electric grid in Texas, is urging people to reduce electricity at homes and businesses.

ERCOT declared an Energy Emergency Alert Level 1, saying energy conservation is needed through 7 p.m. to avoid rotating outages. 

A similar alert on Tuesday was canceled after a couple hours. Before Tuesday, ERCOT had not issued an EEA1 since January 2014.

On Monday, ERCOT reported a new all-time, system-wide peak demand record.

CPS Energy also set a new all-time peak for energy use at 5,109 megawatts. The previous record was set on July 23, 2018.

CPS and ERCOT offered the following tips for keeping energy use low:

• Set thermostats between 78-80 degrees and bump it up a few degrees when away from home
• Use fans in occupied rooms 
• Turn off all lights and appliances, and unplug electronic equipment when not in use
• Close blinds and drapes in rooms that get direct sun 
• Discontinue the use of appliances such as the dishwasher, washer and dryer during peak hours
• Grill outside in the evening instead of using the stove or oven
• If you cook indoors from 3 to 7 p.m., use a microwave or slow cooker
• Schedule pool pumps to run in the early morning or overnight hours; shut off between 4 and 6 p.m.