The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages the flow of electric power to more than 26 million Texas customers. During periods of high demand or limited supply, ERCOT may issue conservation appeals or emergency alerts. BPUB participates in these statewide efforts to maintain grid reliability.
Understanding Grid Conditions
ERCOT monitors the balance between electricity supply and demand continuously. When reserves run low, they issue escalating alerts:
Normal Operations
Status: Green - Grid is operating normally
During normal conditions:
- Adequate generation capacity is available
- Reserve margins are healthy
- No conservation measures needed
You should: Continue using electricity normally, but always practice good energy efficiency habits.
Conservation Appeal
Status: Yellow - Voluntary conservation requested
ERCOT issues a conservation appeal when reserves are declining but the grid remains stable. This is a voluntary request for all Texans to reduce electricity use.
Typical triggers:
- Extreme temperatures (very hot or very cold)
- Higher than expected demand
- Generation units unexpectedly offline
- Low wind generation
What you should do:
- Raise your thermostat to 78°F or higher (summer) or lower to 68°F (winter)
- Avoid using major appliances during peak hours
- Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics
- Delay charging electric vehicles
Energy Emergency Alert Level 1 (EEA1)
Status: Orange - Reserves are low
EEA1 is declared when operating reserves fall below 2,300 MW. This indicates the grid is under stress but controlled.
ERCOT actions:
- Issues public conservation appeal
- Requests all available generation
- May recall generation from planned maintenance
What you should do:
- Implement all conservation measures immediately
- Set thermostat to 78°F+ (summer) or 68°F or below (winter)
- Turn off all non-essential electrical equipment
- Businesses should implement load reduction plans
Energy Emergency Alert Level 2 (EEA2)
Status: Red - Grid emergency
EEA2 is declared when reserves fall below 1,750 MW. The grid is in a serious emergency condition.
ERCOT actions:
- All EEA1 actions continue
- Public appeals intensify
- Industrial customers with interruptible contracts reduce load
What you should do:
- Maximum conservation effort required
- Turn off all non-essential equipment
- Prepare for possible rotating outages
- Ensure emergency supplies are accessible
Energy Emergency Alert Level 3 (EEA3) - Rotating Outages
Status: Critical - Rotating outages in effect
EEA3 is declared when reserves fall below 1,000 MW and firm load (customers) must be shed to prevent a grid collapse.
What happens:
- ERCOT orders utilities to reduce load through controlled, rotating outages
- Outages typically last 15-45 minutes per rotation
- Critical facilities (hospitals, water treatment) are protected when possible
- Outages rotate to different areas to share the burden
What you should do:
- Continue maximum conservation
- Do not use high-draw appliances
- Have flashlights and charged devices ready
- Check on elderly and vulnerable neighbors
- If you have life-sustaining medical equipment, contact BPUB about our Life Support Alert program
After power returns:
- Wait a few minutes before turning on large appliances
- This prevents a surge that could trigger additional outages
Peak Demand Periods
Understanding when the grid is most stressed helps you know when conservation matters most:
when AC demand is highest
morning heating demand
Why These Times?
Summer (3-7 PM):
- Hottest part of the day
- People returning home from work
- AC units running at maximum
- Solar generation begins declining
Winter (6-9 AM):
- Coldest part of the day
- Heating systems working hardest
- People waking up and getting ready
- Secondary peak at 6-9 PM
How to Conserve During Alerts
Immediate Actions:
- Raise AC to 78°F or higher (summer) / Lower heat to 68°F or below (winter)
- Turn off all non-essential lights
- Unplug devices not in use
- Delay running dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers
- Avoid using the oven - use microwave instead
- Delay charging electric vehicles
Additional Steps:
- Close blinds to reduce heat gain (summer)
- Pre-cool your home before peak hours if possible
- Use ceiling fans to feel cooler without lowering AC
- Turn off pool pumps during peak hours
BPUB's Role in Grid Reliability
As part of the ERCOT grid, BPUB works to maintain reliable service:
- Load forecasting: We predict customer demand to ensure adequate supply
- Demand response: We participate in programs to reduce load during emergencies
- Infrastructure investment: We maintain and upgrade our distribution system
- Customer programs: We offer rebates and audits to help you reduce usage
- Emergency response: We have plans for rapid restoration after outages
Preparing for Grid Emergencies
Sign Up for Alerts
Register for ERCOT and BPUB notifications to receive advance warning of conservation appeals and emergencies.
Learn moreLife Support Alert
If you depend on electrically-powered medical equipment, register with BPUB for priority notification.
Learn moreEmergency Kit
Keep flashlights, batteries, phone chargers, and emergency supplies accessible during storm season.
Learn moreKnow Your Plan
Understand what you'll do during an extended outage - where you'll go, how you'll stay warm/cool, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes grid emergencies?
Grid emergencies occur when electricity demand approaches or exceeds available supply. Common causes include:
- Extreme weather: Very hot summers or cold winters drive high heating/cooling demand
- Generation outages: Power plants going offline unexpectedly
- Fuel shortages: Natural gas supply disruptions during winter storms
- Renewable variability: Low wind or cloud cover reducing generation
- Transmission constraints: Bottlenecks moving power across the state
How are rotating outages determined?
During EEA3, ERCOT instructs utilities like BPUB to reduce load by a specified amount. Utilities then implement controlled outages in rotation:
- Outages typically affect different areas for 15-45 minutes at a time
- Critical facilities (hospitals, water treatment, 911 centers) are protected when possible
- The goal is to share the burden fairly across all customers
- Outages continue rotating until ERCOT restores sufficient reserves
How will I know about outages?
Stay informed through multiple channels:
- ERCOT: ercot.com and their social media
- BPUB: Our website, social media, and outage notifications
- Local media: TV, radio, and news websites
- Emergency alerts: Wireless Emergency Alerts to your phone
What if I have medical equipment that needs power?
If you or a family member depends on electrically-powered medical equipment:
- Register with BPUB's Life Support Alert program
- Have a backup power plan (battery backup, generator)
- Know where the nearest cooling/warming center is
- Have a list of family/friends who can help
- Keep your doctor and equipment provider's contact info handy
Reduce Your Impact
The best way to help the grid is to use less energy overall. BPUB can help you identify savings opportunities.
Additional Resources
ERCOT Resources
- ERCOT Grid Status Dashboard - Real-time grid conditions
- ERCOT Conservation Tips - Official conservation guidance
- ERCOT Emergency Operations - Emergency information
Texas State Resources
- Public Utility Commission of Texas - Utility regulation and consumer information
- Texas Division of Emergency Management - State emergency preparedness
- Railroad Commission of Texas - Natural gas supply information
Federal Resources
- Department of Energy - Energy efficiency information
- Ready.gov - FEMA emergency preparedness
- ENERGY STAR - EPA efficiency programs