TEXAS, USA — AEP Texas is asking consumer s throughout its service area to begin conservative measures from Saturday through Tuesday as temperatures drop and extreme weather persists.
According to an AEP Texas press release, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) may direct transmission and distribution companies to temporarily interrupt power throughout its grid or in selected areas.
The emergency procedure would be taken to avoid a sustained large-scale outage and prevent long-term damage to the electric system.
AEP Texas hopes that by voluntarily asking customers to conserve energy ERCOT will not have to order controlled rotating outages from one area to another.
The most intense weather conditions may not happen until Sunday and Monday, however conservation measures are needed no to ease the situation, according to the release.
AEP Texas provided the following steps to reduce electricity use:
- Turn down the thermostat 2 to 3 degrees especially during the peak hours of 2 to 8 p.m. Consider wearing additional layers of clothing to remain comfortable.
- Set programmable thermostats to lower temperatures when no one is home.
- Limit use of large appliances, such as dishwasher, washer or dryer to morning or after 8 p.m.
- If you cook indoors from 2 to 8 p.m., use a microwave or slow cooker.
If power is lost, turn off heating, water heater and large appliances to enable a smoother power restoration. After power is restored the devices should be turned on gradually over the next 30 to 45 minutes. This will help prevent a sudden surge in demand for power, according to AEP Texas.
AEP Texas will provide additional information as it becomes available.
