ERCOT Asks Texans to Preserve Energy Via the Weekend – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

ERCOT, Texas' power grid operator, is putting out a name for all Texans to preserve energy over the following few days as we head into a weekend with doubtlessly file heat.

In an announcement, the Electrical Reliability Council of Texas said, "unseasonably scorching weather" was driving record demand across Texas" and that they need everyone to preserve energy between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday after six services unexpectedly tripped offline Friday afternoon.

ERCOT mentioned six power plants dropped off the grid Friday, resulting in a lack of about 2,900 MW of generation -- that's enough electrical energy to energy roughly 580,000 houses.

In keeping with ERCOT information, demand reached 65,412 MW shortly before 5 p.m. Friday. Since that point the demand has been dropping. At 5:30 p.m., ERCOT had operating reserves of roughly 3,400 MW and in a statement on Friday afternoon said, "At the moment, all technology sources out there are working."

NBC 5's group of climate consultants has warned that increased than normal temperatures could result in a number of damaged temperature data within the coming days. See the newest forecast here. NBC 5's Chief Meteorologist Rick Mitchell recommends taking heat precautions this weekend together with scaling back outdoor activities in order not to overexert yourself in the warmth. You should definitely keep hydrated too. Additionally, hold your pets cool and watered.