ERCOT asks Texans to conserve power Wednesday

Texans are being asked to conserve electricity on Wednesday to avoid brownouts.

The potential problem is simple. It is incredibly cold and most people will be turning up the heat. But that could put stress on the state’s power system.

That’s why officials from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas have issued a warning. The non-profit organization monitors and manages the electric flow in the state.

For now, it’s just a heads up and a request. Set your thermostats as low as possible to keep warm, unplug appliances that you aren’t using and avoid running your washer, dryer or electric oven during peak hours – between 6 and 10 a.m. and 6 and 10 p.m.

Businesses are also asked to shut down non-essential production processes, unused lights and high electricity-consuming equipment.

ERCOT said the stress on the system is not yet at the level it was in 2014, when a power conservation alert was issued.

It is hoping people will help out so it doesn’t reach that level.

LINK: www.ercot.com