ERCOT issues Weather Watch
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AUSTIN – ERCOT issued a Weather Watch from Monday, Jan. 15 to Wednesday, 17 because of forecasted extreme cold weather across the ERCOT region, higher electrical demand and the potential for lower reserves.
Grid conditions are expected to be normal during an ERCOT Weather Watch, according to a press release on ERCOT’s website. ERCOT continues to monitor conditions closely and will deploy all available tools to manage the grid, continuing a reliability-first approach to operations.
ERCOT encourages people to sign up for grid condition notifications through the Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS) at https://bit.ly/ERCOTGridConditionNotifications. Texans can also monitor real-time and extended grid conditions at ercot.com, the release stated.
“We are not predicted to have any precipitation for Friday – Wednesday, but we are going to have freezing temperatures,” Childress County Judge Kimberly Jones said.
She recommends doing the following:
- Have plenty of water, food and blankets in your home (and vehicles for those traveling)
- Consider keeping faucets dripping
- Bring small animals inside
- Make sure there is plenty of air circulating if using open face heaters
“Also, if you know of any elderly or handicapped individuals who are home bound, please check on them,” Jones said. “At this moment, we are not anticipating the opening of warming stations, but we will continue to monitor the weather.”
In 2023, January peak demand was 65,632 MW, with the all-time peak demand record of 85,508 MW, set on Aug. 10, 2023, the release stated. These Q&As were also part of the release:
What is an ERCOT Weather Watch?
An ERCOT Weather Watch is an advance notification of forecasted significant weather with higher electrical demand and the potential for lower reserves. At this time, grid conditions are expected to be normal, and there is not a current expectation of an energy emergency. Texans should continue to monitor real-time and extended grid conditions at ercot.com.
What Action is Needed?
No action is needed. You can monitor current and extended grid conditions on ercot.com.
Did You Know?
Reducing electric use during peak demand times can help you save and lower demand on the grid. Energy-saving tips can be found on the TXANS webpage at https://bit.ly/ERCOTGridConditionNotifications.
Stay Updated
Sign up for TXANS notifications at https://bit.ly/ERCOTGridConditionNotifications.
