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Texas is facing a major power crisis this summer as the state’s grid struggles to keep up with demand. It is no surprise that temperatures are expected to soar into the triple digits. Unless you are from coastal California and it hasn’t hit you yet just how HOT Texas can get. You will find out soon. Because there are a lot more Texans than ever that will be cranking up their air conditioners essentially putting a strain on the grid. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which manages the state’s grid, has warned that there will most likely be brownouts if demand continues to exceed supply.
ERCOT Predicts Possible Brownouts This Summer
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is warning that the state could experience rolling blackouts this summer due to a combination of factors, including high demand and low supply.
ERCOT is the grid operator for most of Texas, and it manages the flow of electricity across the state. The agency has been working to increase the state’s power supply in recent years, but it is still not enough to meet the projected demand for this summer.
So many of us become extremely familiar with this agency during Snowmageddon. It was a less than magical snowy time in Texas sadly.
The main reason for the increased demand is the state’s growing population. Texas is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, and its population is expected to reach 40 million by 2050. This growth is putting a strain on the state’s power grid.
Another factor contributing to the increased demand is the state’s reliance on natural gas for power generation. Natural gas is a relatively cheap and abundant fuel, but it is also a volatile commodity. The price of natural gas has been rising in recent months, which is making it more expensive to generate electricity.
The combination of high demand and low supply is creating a perfect storm for blackouts this summer. ERCOT is urging Texans to conserve energy to help reduce the risk of blackouts. Here are some tips for conserving energy:
- Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher during the day.
- Unplug appliances and electronics when you’re not using them.
- Take shorter showers.
- Close your blinds.
- Wear dresses or tank tops and shorts consisting of a light material.
- Air-dry your clothes instead of using the dryer.
- Consider using a fan instead of air conditioning.
I think these tips can help all of us in a number of ways.
Is it fair?
Not at all.
But with a little effort, you could at least reduce your bill a bit each month and potentially reduce the risk of brownouts in Texas this summer.
Having a battery-operated fan on stock in your house now will keep you from panicking later. Here is one that we use in our home for extra cooling when we are on the patio or working in the garage. It will be a huge help if power suddenly goes out in a Texas Summer:
In addition to conserving energy, your Texas family can also help prepare for brownouts by having a plan in place. This plan should include things like knowing where to find a safe place to stay, stocking up on battery operated devices, having a way to communicate with family and friends, and having a supply of food and water.
By taking these steps, our families can help ensure that they are prepared for the possibility of brownouts this summer.
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