The Electric Reliability Council of Texas
ERCOT oversees more than 90% of Texas' power load.
What is the Electric Reliability Council of Texas?
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas or ERCOT is responsible for monitoring the flow of electric power to more than 26 million Texas consumers, including those served by Central Texas Electric Co-op. ERCOT manages the state's power grid and takes steps to ensure the power supply meets consumer demand.
Frequently Asked Questions About ERCOT
Forced outages are load shed events controlled by ERCOT to reduce the demand of electricity on the power grid. They may also be referred to as blackouts, rolling blackouts, or controlled outages. Load shed events occur when the demand for electricity exceeds the power supply available and voluntary conservation efforts were not enough to reduce the strain on the electric grid. ERCOT will require forced outages on electric consumers to reduce the demand of electricity to maintain the integrity of the electric grid.
When forced outages (load shed events) occur, Central Texas Electric Co-op must comply with the load shed procedures as instructed by ERCOT. Central Texas Electric Co-op does not control if, when, or how long the load shed event will last. Central Texas Electric Co-op gets little to no warning when load shed events will occur.
When the electric supply provided by all available power generation is not enough to meet customer demand for power, ERCOT begins emergency operations. During an ERCOT energy emergency, when there is not enough generation to meet consumer demand for power, and all other operational tools have been exhausted, power demand must be lowered to avoid uncontrolled blackouts.
Before every summer and winter, ERCOT forecasts potential electricity demand and capacity. If it appears that demand will exceed supply, ERCOT will initiate its Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) system. Alerts range from calls for conservation to a declaration of a statewide power emergency that could result in controlled outages—controlled, planned service interruptions designed to ensure grid stability.
Here is a summary of ERCOT's EEA system:
ERCOT grid conditions are normal.
Conservation Alert: ERCOT may ask consumers to conserve power by adjusting their thermostats and limiting the use of appliances.
Energy Emergency Level 1: Conservation is needed. ERCOT operators have the authority to call on all available power supplies, including power from other grids, if available.
Energy Emergency Level 2: Conservation is critical. Operators drop large commercial/industrial load resources that have entered contracts agreeing to be interrupted during an emergency.
Energy Emergency Level 3: Controlled Outages in Progress. ERCOT requires controlled outages to reduce demand and ensure the state electric grid's stability. These controlled outages typically last 30 to 60 minutes per rotation.
As always, Central Texas Electric Co-op will monitor ERCOT grid conditions and conservation requests or energy emergencies. If emergency requests that involve forced outages for consumers are made by ERCOT, Central Texas Electric Co-op will comply with those as required and will send notifications as quickly as humanly possible*. Please ensure the contact information on your account are correct.
You are also encouraged to sign up to receive push notifications directly from ERCOT. You can do this by downloading the ERCOT app (Google Play or App Store) and enable push notifications for alerts.
*Please note: Notices are sent out as quickly as humanly possible, but the situation on the grid can change very quickly. If ERCOT's reserve margins reach critical condition and ERCOT calls for load shed, the outages may begin before all notifications are able to be sent out and phone line may become overwhelmed.
During load shed events, we are unable to tell you when you will be without power, how long the forced outages will last or when power will be restored since those answers depend on many factors outside of Central Texas Electric Co-op's control. We will share the most current information we have received from ERCOT.
- Members must be prepared for a possible power outage without advance warning. As much as possible, all efforts will be made to provide advance notification of ERCOT-mandated load shedding, but there can be circumstances where such a notification isn’t possible.
- Members designated as critical load are not guaranteed an uninterrupted supply of electricity. It is the member's responsibility to arrange for alternative electric power sources in the event of any outage, including ERCOT load-shedding events.
- Members who depend on electric-powered medical equipment or those designated as critical care or chronic condition with CTEC are not guaranteed an uninterrupted, regular or continuous power supply. It is the member’s responsibility to arrange for alternative electric power sources in the event of any outage, including ERCOT load-shedding events.
- Load shedding is a mandatory emergency order from ERCOT based on the available generation and consumer demand. During load-shedding events, CTEC’s ERCOT transmission operator, the Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corp., is obligated to immediately implement load-shedding procedures. CTEC likely will not have sufficient information to notify members if or when they may lose power or how long the load-shedding event may last.
- In an extreme emergency, ERCOT may require electric utilities to shed large amounts of load over long periods of time. These outages are critical for ensuring the integrity of the state’s electric grid and preventing an uncontrolled system-wide blackout, which could last significantly longer than a load-shedding event.
- CTEC, like all electric utilities in ERCOT’s service area, is required to comply with all ERCOT directions for shedding load until ERCOT ends the energy emergency.
Please help by conserving electricity in any way you can. This is important as long as ERCOT forced outages are in place.
Spring and Summer Conservation Tips:
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Turn up your thermostat 2-3 degrees from 3 to 7 p.m.; Adjust the thermostat even higher if no one will be home during the day.
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If home, use fans to feel 4-6 degrees cooler. Turn the fans off if no one is in the room.
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Set pool pumps to run early morning or overnight; program them to shut off from 3 to 7 p.m., since these are typically peak hours for summer months.
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Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances.
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Avoid using large appliances, especially during peak hours.
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Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible.
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Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes.
Winter Conservation Tips:
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Turn down your thermostat to 68° in the daytime and 55° at night or when you're away from home.
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When at home, open blinds and shades during sunny days to take advantage of the sun's natural heat.
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Close shades and blinds at night to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.
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Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances.
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Avoid using large appliances.
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Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible.
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Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes.
If someone in your home depends on an electrically operated health aid, sign up for Central Texas Electric Co-op's Medical Necessity Program. Please note, Central Texas Electric Co-op's Life Support Registry does not guarantee there will be no power interruptions. Power outages happen for many reasons that may be out of the cooperative's control. It is recommended for members on the Life Support Registry to ensure they have secondary power or a back up plan in the event of prolonged outages.
ERCOT Press Releases
ERCOT Closely Monitoring Changing Weather Conditions
(Austin, TX) - December 16, 2022 - As a series of cold fronts approach Texas, ERCOT continues to closely monitor weather forecasts and models. ERCOT expects sufficient generation to meet forecasted demand and will continue to provide updates.
Earlier today, ERCOT issued an Operating Condition Notice (OCN), a procedural notification to transmission and distribution owners and generation resources that temperatures will meet ERCOT’s criteria of 25 degrees or lower in the Austin/San Antonio and the Dallas Fort-Worth areas between Thursday, December 22 through Monday, December 26.
Over the past 18 months, ERCOT has worked closely with the Public Utility Commission and elected officials to implement reforms and increase grid reliability, including weatherization, bringing more generation online sooner if needed, and purchasing more reserve power. As a result, the reliability and resiliency of the grid has been strengthened significantly.
“Providing Texans with a reliable electric grid is our highest priority. As we monitor weather conditions, we want to assure Texans that the grid is resilient and reliable,” said Pablo Vegas, ERCOT President and CEO. “We will keep the public informed as weather conditions change throughout the coming week.”
Improvements Implemented that Make the Grid More Reliable
• Weatherization and Inspections. Electric generation units and transmission facilities weatherize and are inspected by ERCOT.
• Firm Fuel Supply Service. An additional source of fuel onsite for generators benefits the grid by providing a redundant, or additional, fuel source should there be a natural gas scarcity.
• Scheduled Maintenance Period. ERCOT has worked with generators and transmission operators to schedule their maintenance so they could prepare their equipment for winter.
• Fast Frequency Response Service. This is a new addition to our ancillary services that provides a group of generators that can power up quickly during operating conditions that change rapidly.
• Reliability Unit Commitments. ERCOT can bring more generation online sooner when needed.
• Critical Supply Chain and Critical Infrastructure Map. This map was created to share the locations and connectivity of all the critical parts of the Texas power infrastructure.
• Improved Communications. Agencies are seeing improved communications through both the Texas Department of Emergency Management and Texas Energy Reliability Council.
Earlier today, ERCOT issued an Operating Condition Notice (OCN), a procedural notification to transmission and distribution owners and generation resources that temperatures will meet ERCOT’s criteria of 25 degrees or lower in the Austin/San Antonio and the Dallas Fort-Worth areas between Thursday, December 22 through Monday, December 26.
Over the past 18 months, ERCOT has worked closely with the Public Utility Commission and elected officials to implement reforms and increase grid reliability, including weatherization, bringing more generation online sooner if needed, and purchasing more reserve power. As a result, the reliability and resiliency of the grid has been strengthened significantly.
“Providing Texans with a reliable electric grid is our highest priority. As we monitor weather conditions, we want to assure Texans that the grid is resilient and reliable,” said Pablo Vegas, ERCOT President and CEO. “We will keep the public informed as weather conditions change throughout the coming week.”
Improvements Implemented that Make the Grid More Reliable
• Weatherization and Inspections. Electric generation units and transmission facilities weatherize and are inspected by ERCOT.
• Firm Fuel Supply Service. An additional source of fuel onsite for generators benefits the grid by providing a redundant, or additional, fuel source should there be a natural gas scarcity.
• Scheduled Maintenance Period. ERCOT has worked with generators and transmission operators to schedule their maintenance so they could prepare their equipment for winter.
• Fast Frequency Response Service. This is a new addition to our ancillary services that provides a group of generators that can power up quickly during operating conditions that change rapidly.
• Reliability Unit Commitments. ERCOT can bring more generation online sooner when needed.
• Critical Supply Chain and Critical Infrastructure Map. This map was created to share the locations and connectivity of all the critical parts of the Texas power infrastructure.
• Improved Communications. Agencies are seeing improved communications through both the Texas Department of Emergency Management and Texas Energy Reliability Council.
ERCOT to Provide Real-Time Energy Generation Usage
December 15, 2022 - (Austin, TX) – As part of ERCOT’s ongoing commitment to communicate clear and reliable information on grid conditions for all Texans, a new Fuel Mix dashboard will provide a real-time view of ERCOT’s energy generation by resource type.
“The new Fuel Mix dashboard is the latest in a series of improvements to increase public visibility into the operation of the grid,” says Dan Woodfin, ERCOT Vice President of System Operations. “This new dashboard shows real-time data on what generation mix is powering our grid at a given moment.”
The Fuel Mix dashboard resource categories include solar, wind, hydro, power storage, natural gas, coal and lignite, nuclear, and other.
The Fuel Mix dashboard is accessible from the Grid and Market Conditions page at www.ercot.com
More information can be found in our market notice.
“The new Fuel Mix dashboard is the latest in a series of improvements to increase public visibility into the operation of the grid,” says Dan Woodfin, ERCOT Vice President of System Operations. “This new dashboard shows real-time data on what generation mix is powering our grid at a given moment.”
The Fuel Mix dashboard resource categories include solar, wind, hydro, power storage, natural gas, coal and lignite, nuclear, and other.
The Fuel Mix dashboard is accessible from the Grid and Market Conditions page at www.ercot.com
More information can be found in our market notice.
ERCOT Creates Voluntary Curtailment Program for Large Flexible Customers during Peak Demand Periods
(Austin, TX) – December 6, 2022 - As part of continued improvements to support grid reliability, ERCOT is implementing a voluntary curtailment program allowing large flexible customers, such as bitcoin mining facilities, to reduce their power use during periods of high demand.
“Our goal with this program is to work with large customers in supporting the reliability of the Texas power grid,” says Woody Rickerson, ERCOT Vice President of System Planning. “These customers are large power users but have the flexibility and willingness to reduce their energy use quickly, if needed. By working with these large loads during peak demand periods, we will better serve all Texans while keeping the grid reliable and resilient.”
This program is primarily intended for large flexible customers (also known as large flexible loads), but any large customer directly connected to a Transmission Service Provider’s facility can participate, subject to approval by ERCOT. This program is temporary and completely voluntary until ERCOT establishes a long-term set of rules. Registration for the program begins today, and ERCOT anticipates the program going live in January 2023. More information can be found in our Market Notice, including the registration form to participate.
“Our goal with this program is to work with large customers in supporting the reliability of the Texas power grid,” says Woody Rickerson, ERCOT Vice President of System Planning. “These customers are large power users but have the flexibility and willingness to reduce their energy use quickly, if needed. By working with these large loads during peak demand periods, we will better serve all Texans while keeping the grid reliable and resilient.”
This program is primarily intended for large flexible customers (also known as large flexible loads), but any large customer directly connected to a Transmission Service Provider’s facility can participate, subject to approval by ERCOT. This program is temporary and completely voluntary until ERCOT establishes a long-term set of rules. Registration for the program begins today, and ERCOT anticipates the program going live in January 2023. More information can be found in our Market Notice, including the registration form to participate.
ERCOT Names Mark Miner as Director of Corporate Communications
Key position to improve legislative and public affairs communications
(Austin, TX) December 2, 2022 – The Electric Reliability Council of Texas has named Mark Miner as the organization’s new Director of Corporate Communications.
In this position, Miner will be responsible for leading ERCOT’s corporate communications initiatives with regulatory and government agencies, media, market participants, and customers, highlighting ERCOT’s position as a primary resource for energy information in the region.
“ERCOT is focused on communicating closely with state leaders and market participants as well as with the media and general public,” said Robert Black, ERCOT Vice President of Public Affairs. “Our goal is to maintain clear communications with all stakeholders. Miner brings more than 25 years of high-level public and private sector communications and public affairs experience to ERCOT to meet this goal.”
Most recently, Miner served as Senior Advisor and Director of Communications for Texas Governor Greg Abbott. In addition to holding leadership positions with two of the nation’s leading public affairs firms, Miner has also served as Communications Director to former Texas Governor Rick Perry and former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore.
(Austin, TX) December 2, 2022 – The Electric Reliability Council of Texas has named Mark Miner as the organization’s new Director of Corporate Communications.
In this position, Miner will be responsible for leading ERCOT’s corporate communications initiatives with regulatory and government agencies, media, market participants, and customers, highlighting ERCOT’s position as a primary resource for energy information in the region.
“ERCOT is focused on communicating closely with state leaders and market participants as well as with the media and general public,” said Robert Black, ERCOT Vice President of Public Affairs. “Our goal is to maintain clear communications with all stakeholders. Miner brings more than 25 years of high-level public and private sector communications and public affairs experience to ERCOT to meet this goal.”
Most recently, Miner served as Senior Advisor and Director of Communications for Texas Governor Greg Abbott. In addition to holding leadership positions with two of the nation’s leading public affairs firms, Miner has also served as Communications Director to former Texas Governor Rick Perry and former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore.
ERCOT Names Robert Black Vice President of Public Affairs
Key Position Will Continue to Improve Coordination, Communication
AUSTIN, TX, Oct. 25, 2022 – Pablo Vegas, President and CEO of The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, today announced the hiring of Robert Black as the organization’s new Vice President of Public Affairs. Black brings more than three decades of experience in Texas public policy and more than a dozen years of experience in the Texas electric grid.
The position is responsible for the organization’s external communications, government affairs, and customer support. Vegas has committed the organization will continue to improve communications with Texans, state agencies, and lawmakers.
Black joins ERCOT from AEP Texas, where he served as Vice President of External Affairs. He will begin work at ERCOT on Nov. 7.
“With Texas experiencing exceptional economic growth, ERCOT is focused on continuing to make the improvements to reliably meet the needs of the Texans we serve and continue to power the economic growth of our state,” Vegas said. “A key component will be to collaborate closely with state leaders and electric market participants, while also ensuring we are clearly communicating with the public. Robert brings a wealth of communications and government relations experience to ERCOT to achieve that important goal.”
Prior to joining AEP, Black served as Gov. Rick Perry’s Press Secretary and Communications Director, as a senior media advisor for Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s 2014 campaign, and as the communications director for Greg Abbott’s successful 2002 campaign for Attorney General. He has also worked for two Texas Senators and began his career working for Rep. Tom Craddick.
AUSTIN, TX, Oct. 25, 2022 – Pablo Vegas, President and CEO of The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, today announced the hiring of Robert Black as the organization’s new Vice President of Public Affairs. Black brings more than three decades of experience in Texas public policy and more than a dozen years of experience in the Texas electric grid.
The position is responsible for the organization’s external communications, government affairs, and customer support. Vegas has committed the organization will continue to improve communications with Texans, state agencies, and lawmakers.
Black joins ERCOT from AEP Texas, where he served as Vice President of External Affairs. He will begin work at ERCOT on Nov. 7.
“With Texas experiencing exceptional economic growth, ERCOT is focused on continuing to make the improvements to reliably meet the needs of the Texans we serve and continue to power the economic growth of our state,” Vegas said. “A key component will be to collaborate closely with state leaders and electric market participants, while also ensuring we are clearly communicating with the public. Robert brings a wealth of communications and government relations experience to ERCOT to achieve that important goal.”
Prior to joining AEP, Black served as Gov. Rick Perry’s Press Secretary and Communications Director, as a senior media advisor for Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s 2014 campaign, and as the communications director for Greg Abbott’s successful 2002 campaign for Attorney General. He has also worked for two Texas Senators and began his career working for Rep. Tom Craddick.
ERCOT Board Announces New CEO
ERCOT Board Announces New CEO
Pablo Vegas to take the helm on October 1
AUSTIN, TX, Aug. 16, 2022 – The Electric Reliability Council of Texas Board of Directors today announced the selection of Pablo Vegas to serve as the President and CEO for the Texas grid operator. Vegas will join ERCOT on October 1. He currently serves as Executive Vice President of NiSource and Group President, NiSource Utilities. His selection follows an exhaustive nationwide search by the Board’s selection committee.
The selection of Vegas was approved by the Public Utility Commission of Texas earlier today, as required under Texas law.
"In Pablo, we’ve found a leader for ERCOT with deep experience at one of the nation’s largest regulated utilities, who brings a strong record of operational excellence managing system growth with a diverse and rapidly evolving energy mix. He clearly understands the challenges we face in Texas as one of the fastest growing and most dynamic energy grids in the United States, and how to meet them,” said ERCOT Board Chair Paul Foster. “ERCOT has implemented landmark reliability reforms under the outstanding leadership of Interim CEO Brad Jones, and Pablo will put his own extensive background in operations, engineering and customer service to work building on that legacy for the people of Texas.”
This will be Vegas’ second time working in the ERCOT service territory. In 2008, he was President and Chief Operating Officer for AEP Texas, one of his many executive roles at American Electric Power (AEP). Vegas’ early career included working with IBM, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Andersen Consulting.
“I’m excited to return to Texas both personally and professionally. Texas is the fastest growing electric grid in the nation with peak demand larger than any other state and leads the nation in advancing reliable resources,” said Vegas. “Texas leaders have faced the challenges in the ongoing energy transition head-on and are committed to driving improvements in the energy economy for the benefit of generations to come. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead an exceptional organization of people and make a positive impact on millions of Texans.”
In making this selection, the ERCOT Board of Directors noted the tremendous scope of the ERCOT CEO position. On a daily basis, ERCOT:
• Supports the fastest growing economy and electric grid in the nation
• Completes $50 million/day in settlement transactions
• Manages a $28 billion electric market
• Oversees the third largest grid and the largest renewable fleet in the nation
Brad Jones will continue to serve as Interim CEO until October 1, and for the following few weeks, will assist in Pablo Vegas’s transition into his new role as CEO of ERCOT.
Vegas has a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan and attended the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. Vegas is married with three children.
The complete employment agreement with Vegas is available at https://www.ercot.com/about/governance/executives.
Pablo Vegas to take the helm on October 1
AUSTIN, TX, Aug. 16, 2022 – The Electric Reliability Council of Texas Board of Directors today announced the selection of Pablo Vegas to serve as the President and CEO for the Texas grid operator. Vegas will join ERCOT on October 1. He currently serves as Executive Vice President of NiSource and Group President, NiSource Utilities. His selection follows an exhaustive nationwide search by the Board’s selection committee.
The selection of Vegas was approved by the Public Utility Commission of Texas earlier today, as required under Texas law.
"In Pablo, we’ve found a leader for ERCOT with deep experience at one of the nation’s largest regulated utilities, who brings a strong record of operational excellence managing system growth with a diverse and rapidly evolving energy mix. He clearly understands the challenges we face in Texas as one of the fastest growing and most dynamic energy grids in the United States, and how to meet them,” said ERCOT Board Chair Paul Foster. “ERCOT has implemented landmark reliability reforms under the outstanding leadership of Interim CEO Brad Jones, and Pablo will put his own extensive background in operations, engineering and customer service to work building on that legacy for the people of Texas.”
This will be Vegas’ second time working in the ERCOT service territory. In 2008, he was President and Chief Operating Officer for AEP Texas, one of his many executive roles at American Electric Power (AEP). Vegas’ early career included working with IBM, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Andersen Consulting.
“I’m excited to return to Texas both personally and professionally. Texas is the fastest growing electric grid in the nation with peak demand larger than any other state and leads the nation in advancing reliable resources,” said Vegas. “Texas leaders have faced the challenges in the ongoing energy transition head-on and are committed to driving improvements in the energy economy for the benefit of generations to come. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead an exceptional organization of people and make a positive impact on millions of Texans.”
In making this selection, the ERCOT Board of Directors noted the tremendous scope of the ERCOT CEO position. On a daily basis, ERCOT:
• Supports the fastest growing economy and electric grid in the nation
• Completes $50 million/day in settlement transactions
• Manages a $28 billion electric market
• Oversees the third largest grid and the largest renewable fleet in the nation
Brad Jones will continue to serve as Interim CEO until October 1, and for the following few weeks, will assist in Pablo Vegas’s transition into his new role as CEO of ERCOT.
Vegas has a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan and attended the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. Vegas is married with three children.
The complete employment agreement with Vegas is available at https://www.ercot.com/about/governance/executives.
REVISED: ERCOT Issues Conservation Appeal to Texans and Businesses
REVISED TO ADJUST TIMES FOR CONSERVATION APPEAL.
Appeal Effective Wednesday, July 13, 2022
AUSTIN, TX, July 13, 2022 – As extreme hot weather continues driving record power demand across Texas, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is issuing a Conservation Appeal for Wednesday, July 13 between 2-9 p.m. ERCOT is asking Texans and businesses to voluntarily conserve electricity during this time. Currently, no system-wide outages are expected.
Today’s conditions are expected to be similar to those experienced on Monday, July 11, 2022. On that day, Texans and businesses responded by voluntarily conserving electricity and helping ERCOT successfully meet record power demand by reducing their energy use by 500 MWs.
Conservation is a reliability tool ERCOT has deployed more than four dozen times since 2008 to successfully manage grid operations. This notification is issued when projected reserves may fall below 2300 MW for 30 minutes or more.
ERCOT encourages all electric customers to visit the Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) Power to Save or their electric provider’s websites to get important conservation tips. According to the PUC, ways to reduce electricity use during peak times include turning up your thermostat a degree or two, if comfortable, and postponing running major appliances or pool pumps during the requested timeframe.
ERCOT continues to use all tools available to manage the grid effectively and reliably, including using reserve power and calling upon large electric customers who have volunteered to lower their energy use.
ERCOT emphasizes that the call for conservation is limited to the hours of 2-9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13.
Factors driving the need for this important action by customers:
Record high electric demand. The heat wave that has settled on Texas and much of the central United States is driving increased electric use. Other grid operators are operating under similar conservative operations programs as ERCOT due to the heatwave.
Low wind. Wind generation is currently generating less than what is historically generated in this time period.
Forced thermal outages. The number of forced outages in thermal generation exceeds ERCOT forecasts.
Solar. Developing cloud cover in West Texas has reduced the amount of solar generation.
Under current projected scenarios, performance of the generation fleet Wednesday is:
Installed Capacity
Dispatchable - 80,083
Wind - 35,162
Solar - 11,787
Wednesday (7/13) Tightest Hour (3-4 p.m.)
Dispatchable - 67,076
Wind - 4,294
Solar - 7,987
Percentage of Installed Capacity Available at Tightest Hour
Dispatchable - 84%
Wind - 12%
Solar - 68%
Note: Total forecasted demand is 78,451 MW.
How to track electricity demand
View daily peak demand forecast, current load, and available generation at http://www.ercot.com.
Follow ERCOT on Twitter (@ERCOT_ISO) and Facebook (Electric Reliability Council of Texas).
Sign up for the ERCOT mobile app (available for download at the Apple App Store and Google Play).
Subscribe to the EmergencyAlerts list at EmergencyAlerts.
Consumer assistance
Public Utility Commission of Texas Hotline – 1-888-782-8477
Appeal Effective Wednesday, July 13, 2022
AUSTIN, TX, July 13, 2022 – As extreme hot weather continues driving record power demand across Texas, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is issuing a Conservation Appeal for Wednesday, July 13 between 2-9 p.m. ERCOT is asking Texans and businesses to voluntarily conserve electricity during this time. Currently, no system-wide outages are expected.
Today’s conditions are expected to be similar to those experienced on Monday, July 11, 2022. On that day, Texans and businesses responded by voluntarily conserving electricity and helping ERCOT successfully meet record power demand by reducing their energy use by 500 MWs.
Conservation is a reliability tool ERCOT has deployed more than four dozen times since 2008 to successfully manage grid operations. This notification is issued when projected reserves may fall below 2300 MW for 30 minutes or more.
ERCOT encourages all electric customers to visit the Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) Power to Save or their electric provider’s websites to get important conservation tips. According to the PUC, ways to reduce electricity use during peak times include turning up your thermostat a degree or two, if comfortable, and postponing running major appliances or pool pumps during the requested timeframe.
ERCOT continues to use all tools available to manage the grid effectively and reliably, including using reserve power and calling upon large electric customers who have volunteered to lower their energy use.
ERCOT emphasizes that the call for conservation is limited to the hours of 2-9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13.
Factors driving the need for this important action by customers:
Record high electric demand. The heat wave that has settled on Texas and much of the central United States is driving increased electric use. Other grid operators are operating under similar conservative operations programs as ERCOT due to the heatwave.
Low wind. Wind generation is currently generating less than what is historically generated in this time period.
Forced thermal outages. The number of forced outages in thermal generation exceeds ERCOT forecasts.
Solar. Developing cloud cover in West Texas has reduced the amount of solar generation.
Under current projected scenarios, performance of the generation fleet Wednesday is:
Installed Capacity
Dispatchable - 80,083
Wind - 35,162
Solar - 11,787
Wednesday (7/13) Tightest Hour (3-4 p.m.)
Dispatchable - 67,076
Wind - 4,294
Solar - 7,987
Percentage of Installed Capacity Available at Tightest Hour
Dispatchable - 84%
Wind - 12%
Solar - 68%
Note: Total forecasted demand is 78,451 MW.
How to track electricity demand
View daily peak demand forecast, current load, and available generation at http://www.ercot.com.
Follow ERCOT on Twitter (@ERCOT_ISO) and Facebook (Electric Reliability Council of Texas).
Sign up for the ERCOT mobile app (available for download at the Apple App Store and Google Play).
Subscribe to the EmergencyAlerts list at EmergencyAlerts.
Consumer assistance
Public Utility Commission of Texas Hotline – 1-888-782-8477
ERCOT Issues Conservation Appeal to Texans and Businesses
Appeal Effective Wednesday, July 13, 2022
AUSTIN, TX, July 13, 2022 – As extreme hot weather continues driving record power demand across Texas, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is issuing a Conservation Appeal for Wednesday, July 13 between 2-8 p.m. ERCOT is asking Texans and businesses to voluntarily conserve electricity during this time. Currently, no system-wide outages are expected.
Today’s conditions are expected to be similar to those experienced on Monday, July 11, 2022. On that day, Texans and businesses responded by voluntarily conserving electricity and helping ERCOT successfully meet record power demand by reducing their energy use by 500 MWs.
Conservation is a reliability tool ERCOT has deployed more than four dozen times since 2008 to successfully manage grid operations. This notification is issued when projected reserves may fall below 2300 MW for 30 minutes or more.
ERCOT encourages all electric customers to visit the Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) Power to Save or their electric provider’s websites to get important conservation tips. According to the PUC, ways to reduce electricity use during peak times include turning up your thermostat a degree or two, if comfortable, and postponing running major appliances or pool pumps during the requested timeframe.
ERCOT continues to use all tools available to manage the grid effectively and reliably, including using reserve power and calling upon large electric customers who have volunteered to lower their energy use.
ERCOT emphasizes that the call for conservation is limited to the hours of 2-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13.
Factors driving the need for this important action by customers:
• Record high electric demand. The heat wave that has settled on Texas and much of the central United States is driving increased electric use. Other grid operators are operating under similar conservative operations programs as ERCOT due to the heatwave.
• Low wind. Wind generation is currently generating less than what is historically generated in this time period.
• Forced thermal outages. The number of forced outages in thermal generation exceeds ERCOT forecasts.
• Solar. Developing cloud cover in West Texas has reduced the amount of solar generation.
Under current projected scenarios, performance of the generation fleet Wednesday is:
Installed Capacity
Dispatchable - 80,083
Wind - 35,162
Solar - 11,787
Wednesday (7/13) Tightest Hour (3-4 p.m.)
Dispatchable - 67,076
Wind - 4,294
Solar - 7,987
Percentage of Installed Capacity Available at Tightest Hour
Dispatchable - 84%
Wind - 12%
Solar - 68%
Note: Total forecasted demand is 78,451 MW.
How to track electricity demand
• View daily peak demand forecast, current load, and available generation at http://www.ercot.com.
• Follow ERCOT on Twitter (@ERCOT_ISO) and Facebook (Electric Reliability Council of Texas).
• Sign up for the ERCOT mobile app (available for download at the Apple App Store and Google Play).
• Subscribe to the EmergencyAlerts list at EmergencyAlerts.
Consumer assistance
Public Utility Commission of Texas Hotline – 1-888-782-8477
AUSTIN, TX, July 13, 2022 – As extreme hot weather continues driving record power demand across Texas, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is issuing a Conservation Appeal for Wednesday, July 13 between 2-8 p.m. ERCOT is asking Texans and businesses to voluntarily conserve electricity during this time. Currently, no system-wide outages are expected.
Today’s conditions are expected to be similar to those experienced on Monday, July 11, 2022. On that day, Texans and businesses responded by voluntarily conserving electricity and helping ERCOT successfully meet record power demand by reducing their energy use by 500 MWs.
Conservation is a reliability tool ERCOT has deployed more than four dozen times since 2008 to successfully manage grid operations. This notification is issued when projected reserves may fall below 2300 MW for 30 minutes or more.
ERCOT encourages all electric customers to visit the Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) Power to Save or their electric provider’s websites to get important conservation tips. According to the PUC, ways to reduce electricity use during peak times include turning up your thermostat a degree or two, if comfortable, and postponing running major appliances or pool pumps during the requested timeframe.
ERCOT continues to use all tools available to manage the grid effectively and reliably, including using reserve power and calling upon large electric customers who have volunteered to lower their energy use.
ERCOT emphasizes that the call for conservation is limited to the hours of 2-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13.
Factors driving the need for this important action by customers:
• Record high electric demand. The heat wave that has settled on Texas and much of the central United States is driving increased electric use. Other grid operators are operating under similar conservative operations programs as ERCOT due to the heatwave.
• Low wind. Wind generation is currently generating less than what is historically generated in this time period.
• Forced thermal outages. The number of forced outages in thermal generation exceeds ERCOT forecasts.
• Solar. Developing cloud cover in West Texas has reduced the amount of solar generation.
Under current projected scenarios, performance of the generation fleet Wednesday is:
Installed Capacity
Dispatchable - 80,083
Wind - 35,162
Solar - 11,787
Wednesday (7/13) Tightest Hour (3-4 p.m.)
Dispatchable - 67,076
Wind - 4,294
Solar - 7,987
Percentage of Installed Capacity Available at Tightest Hour
Dispatchable - 84%
Wind - 12%
Solar - 68%
Note: Total forecasted demand is 78,451 MW.
How to track electricity demand
• View daily peak demand forecast, current load, and available generation at http://www.ercot.com.
• Follow ERCOT on Twitter (@ERCOT_ISO) and Facebook (Electric Reliability Council of Texas).
• Sign up for the ERCOT mobile app (available for download at the Apple App Store and Google Play).
• Subscribe to the EmergencyAlerts list at EmergencyAlerts.
Consumer assistance
Public Utility Commission of Texas Hotline – 1-888-782-8477
ERCOT Issues Conservation Appeal to Texans and Texas Businesses
Jul 10, 2022
ERCOT Issues Conservation Appeal to Texans and Texas Businesses
Appeal Effective Monday, July 11, 2022
AUSTIN, TX, July 10, 2022 – With extreme hot weather driving record power demand across Texas, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is issuing a Conservation Appeal, asking Texans and Texas businesses to voluntarily conserve electricity, Monday, July 11 between 2-8 p.m. ERCOT also issued a Watch for a projected reserve capacity shortage from 2-8 p.m. At this time, no system-wide outages are expected.
Conservation is a reliability tool ERCOT has deployed more than four dozen times since 2008 to successfully manage grid operations. This notification is issued when projected reserves may fall below 2300 MW for 30 minutes or more.
ERCOT encourages all electric customers to visit the Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) Power to Save or their electric provider’s websites to get important conservation tips. According to the PUC, ways to reduce electricity use during peak times include turning up your thermostat a degree or two, if comfortable, and postponing running major appliances or pool pumps during afternoon peak hours.
ERCOT continues to use all tools available to manage the grid effectively and reliably, including using reserve power and calling upon large electric customers who have volunteered to lower their energy use.
ERCOT emphasizes that the call for conservation is limited to the hours of 2-8 p.m.
Factors driving the need for this important action by customers:
- Record high electric demand. The heat wave that has settled on Texas and much of the central United States is driving increased electric use. Other grid operators are operating under similar conservative operations programs as ERCOT due to the heatwave.
- Low wind. While solar power is generally reaching near full generation capacity, wind generation is currently generating significantly less than what it historically generated in this time period. Current projections show wind generation coming in less than 10 percent of its capacity.
Under current projected scenarios, performance of the generation fleet Monday is:
Installed Capacity
- Dispatchable - 80,083
- Wind - 35,162
- Solar - 11,787
Monday (7/11) Tightest Hour (2-3 p.m.)
- Dispatchable - 67, 913
- Wind - 2,698
- Solar - 9,557
Percentage of Installed Capacity Available at Tightest Hour
- Dispatchable - 85%
- Wind - 8%
- Solar - 81%
Total forecasted demand is 79,671 MW.
How to track electricity demand
- View daily peak demand forecast, current load, and available generation at http://www.ercot.com.
- Follow ERCOT on Twitter (@ERCOT_ISO) and Facebook (Electric Reliability Council of Texas).
- Sign up for the ERCOT mobile app (available for download at the Apple App Store and Google Play).
- Subscribe to the EmergencyAlerts list on http://lists.ercot.com.
Consumer assistance
Public Utility Commission of Texas Hotline – 1-888-782-8477
ERCOT Issues Conservation Appeal to Texans and Texas Businesses
Appeal Effective Monday, July 11, 2022
AUSTIN, TX, July 10, 2022 – With extreme hot weather driving record power demand across Texas, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is issuing a Conservation Appeal, asking Texans and Texas businesses to voluntarily conserve electricity, Monday, July 11 between 2-8 p.m. ERCOT also issued a Watch for a projected reserve capacity shortage from 2-8 p.m. At this time, no system-wide outages are expected.
Conservation is a reliability tool ERCOT has deployed more than four dozen times since 2008 to successfully manage grid operations. This notification is issued when projected reserves may fall below 2300 MW for 30 minutes or more.
ERCOT encourages all electric customers to visit the Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) Power to Save or their electric provider’s websites to get important conservation tips. According to the PUC, ways to reduce electricity use during peak times include turning up your thermostat a degree or two, if comfortable, and postponing running major appliances or pool pumps during afternoon peak hours.
ERCOT continues to use all tools available to manage the grid effectively and reliably, including using reserve power and calling upon large electric customers who have volunteered to lower their energy use.
ERCOT emphasizes that the call for conservation is limited to the hours of 2-8 p.m.
Factors driving the need for this important action by customers:
- Record high electric demand. The heat wave that has settled on Texas and much of the central United States is driving increased electric use. Other grid operators are operating under similar conservative operations programs as ERCOT due to the heatwave.
- Low wind. While solar power is generally reaching near full generation capacity, wind generation is currently generating significantly less than what it historically generated in this time period. Current projections show wind generation coming in less than 10 percent of its capacity.
Under current projected scenarios, performance of the generation fleet Monday is:
Installed Capacity
- Dispatchable - 80,083
- Wind - 35,162
- Solar - 11,787
Monday (7/11) Tightest Hour (2-3 p.m.)
- Dispatchable - 67, 913
- Wind - 2,698
- Solar - 9,557
Percentage of Installed Capacity Available at Tightest Hour
- Dispatchable - 85%
- Wind - 8%
- Solar - 81%
Total forecasted demand is 79,671 MW.
How to track electricity demand
- View daily peak demand forecast, current load, and available generation at http://www.ercot.com.
- Follow ERCOT on Twitter (@ERCOT_ISO) and Facebook (Electric Reliability Council of Texas).
- Sign up for the ERCOT mobile app (available for download at the Apple App Store and Google Play).
- Subscribe to the EmergencyAlerts list on http://lists.ercot.com.
Consumer assistance
Public Utility Commission of Texas Hotline – 1-888-782-8477
Statement by Electric Reliability Council of Texas Interim CEO, Brad Jones on current grid conditions
AUSTIN, TX, May. 13, 2022 - With unseasonably hot weather driving record demand across Texas, ERCOT continues to work closely with the power industry to make sure Texans have the power they need. This afternoon, six power generation facilities tripped offline resulting in the loss of approximately 2,900 MW of electricity. At this time, all generation resources available are operating. We’re asking Texans to conserve power when they can by setting their thermostats to 78-degrees or above and avoiding the usage of large appliances (such as dishwashers, washers and dryers) during peak hours between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. through the weekend.
Resource: Thermal Performance: (% of installed as of 4:00 p.m.) 50,703 (66%)
Resource: Wind Performance: (% of installed as of 4:00 p.m.) 5,859 (17%)
Resource: Solar Performance: (% of installed as of 4:00 p.m.) 8,333 (73%)
Resource: Thermal Performance: (% of installed as of 4:00 p.m.) 50,703 (66%)
Resource: Wind Performance: (% of installed as of 4:00 p.m.) 5,859 (17%)
Resource: Solar Performance: (% of installed as of 4:00 p.m.) 8,333 (73%)
ERCOT Issues Winter Weather Watch Through Sun., Feb. 6
Texans reminded to contact local utilities for power outage issues
AUSTIN, TX, Feb. 2, 2022 — The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has issued a Watch effective through Sunday, Feb. 6 as winter weather moves into Texas. ERCOT is forecasting high energy demand for the duration of the winter weather. This cold front will bring freezing temperatures and precipitation to the ERCOT region. ERCOT is taking action ahead of the expected increase in demand to ensure grid reliability. On Friday, Jan. 28, ERCOT issued an Operating Condition Notice (OCN) to the electricity market for extreme winter weather. ERCOT projects to have sufficient generation to meet the high demand for electricity.
“ERCOT is using all the tools available to manage the grid effectively during this winter weather,” said Interim CEO Brad Jones. “ERCOT will deploy all the resources and aggressively implement the tools available to us to manage the grid reliably during this winter weather. We will continue coordinating closely with the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Public Utility Commission, the Railroad Commission and elected officials — as well as electric generators and transmission and distribution utilities — to keep Texans informed throughout the week.”
ERCOT has implemented many reforms to increase the reliability of the Texas grid:
- Inspected generating units and transmission and distribution facilities for weatherization to comply with new PUC requirements. ERCOT has inspected hundreds of electric generation units and transmission facilities and found only 3 with any deficiencies.
- Requiring CEO attestations of weather readiness. A rule change implemented last year requires all market participants who own or operate generation resources and/or transmission/distribution power lines to submit a letter signed by their CEO twice a year certifying their companies have completed their weatherization preparations to protect the electric grid for the summer and winter seasons.
- Taking a more conservative approach to operating the grid. ERCOT’s grid management is at its most aggressive since the market was created two decades ago. ERCOT is increasing operational reserves to ensure adequate generation is available to Texas homes and businesses and is bringing more generation online sooner if it is needed to balance supply and demand. The grid operator is also purchasing more reserve power, especially on days when the weather forecast is uncertain.
- Assessing on-site fuel supplies. ERCOT has assessed the on-site fuel supply for some gas-fired generators.
- Performing unannounced testing of generation resources. This testing helps verify that generators have provided accurate information about their availability.
“While grid conditions remain strong with enough capacity, our weather forecasts show there is potential for significant frozen precipitation behind this week’s cold front,” said Jones. “With frozen precipitation there is always a chance for local outages caused by things like ice on wires or fallen tree limbs. These local outages are not related to the amount of available electricity generated and put on the grid. Texans should contact their utility in the event they experience a localized outage.”
AUSTIN, TX, Feb. 2, 2022 — The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has issued a Watch effective through Sunday, Feb. 6 as winter weather moves into Texas. ERCOT is forecasting high energy demand for the duration of the winter weather. This cold front will bring freezing temperatures and precipitation to the ERCOT region. ERCOT is taking action ahead of the expected increase in demand to ensure grid reliability. On Friday, Jan. 28, ERCOT issued an Operating Condition Notice (OCN) to the electricity market for extreme winter weather. ERCOT projects to have sufficient generation to meet the high demand for electricity.
“ERCOT is using all the tools available to manage the grid effectively during this winter weather,” said Interim CEO Brad Jones. “ERCOT will deploy all the resources and aggressively implement the tools available to us to manage the grid reliably during this winter weather. We will continue coordinating closely with the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Public Utility Commission, the Railroad Commission and elected officials — as well as electric generators and transmission and distribution utilities — to keep Texans informed throughout the week.”
ERCOT has implemented many reforms to increase the reliability of the Texas grid:
- Inspected generating units and transmission and distribution facilities for weatherization to comply with new PUC requirements. ERCOT has inspected hundreds of electric generation units and transmission facilities and found only 3 with any deficiencies.
- Requiring CEO attestations of weather readiness. A rule change implemented last year requires all market participants who own or operate generation resources and/or transmission/distribution power lines to submit a letter signed by their CEO twice a year certifying their companies have completed their weatherization preparations to protect the electric grid for the summer and winter seasons.
- Taking a more conservative approach to operating the grid. ERCOT’s grid management is at its most aggressive since the market was created two decades ago. ERCOT is increasing operational reserves to ensure adequate generation is available to Texas homes and businesses and is bringing more generation online sooner if it is needed to balance supply and demand. The grid operator is also purchasing more reserve power, especially on days when the weather forecast is uncertain.
- Assessing on-site fuel supplies. ERCOT has assessed the on-site fuel supply for some gas-fired generators.
- Performing unannounced testing of generation resources. This testing helps verify that generators have provided accurate information about their availability.
“While grid conditions remain strong with enough capacity, our weather forecasts show there is potential for significant frozen precipitation behind this week’s cold front,” said Jones. “With frozen precipitation there is always a chance for local outages caused by things like ice on wires or fallen tree limbs. These local outages are not related to the amount of available electricity generated and put on the grid. Texans should contact their utility in the event they experience a localized outage.”
Final Winterization Report: Texas Grid Ready for Winter Weather Operations
AUSTIN, TX, Jan. 18, 2022 – The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) today filed its final winter weatherization readiness report of the season with the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The report shows 321 out of 324 electric generation units and transmission facilities fully passed inspection for new winterization regulations from the Commission.
“The Texas electric grid is more prepared for winter operations than ever before,” said Interim ERCOT CEO Brad Jones.
ERCOT conducted onsite inspections at 302 electric generation units during December, representing 85 percent of the megawatt hours lost during Winter Storm Uri due to outages and 22 transmission station facilities. Three resources have been identified for further review but remain operational. They represent approximately 0.4 percent of the total ERCOT generation fleet.
“We are confident these 321 inspected facilities either meet or go beyond the new requirements from the Commission and we will continue to work with the other 3 facilities to ensure they correct remaining deficiencies,” said Woody Rickerson, ERCOT Vice President of System Planning and Weatherization. “Our teams spent thousands of hours preparing for and conducting these 324 on-site inspections to ensure the electric grid is prepared for winter.”
Results as of January 17, 2022: 324 ERCOT On-Site Inspections at 302 Generation Facilities and 22 Transmission Facilities
Generation Units, all deficiencies cleared - 299
Generation Units with remaining deficiencies - 3
Transmission Facilities, all deficiencies cleared - 22
Transmission Facilities with remaining deficiencies - 0
The Commission will determine any potential enforcement actions resulting from the inspections. Last year, the Texas Legislature increased the maximum penalties for violating weatherization rules to $1,000,000 per day per violation.
“The Texas electric grid is more prepared for winter operations than ever before,” said Interim ERCOT CEO Brad Jones.
ERCOT conducted onsite inspections at 302 electric generation units during December, representing 85 percent of the megawatt hours lost during Winter Storm Uri due to outages and 22 transmission station facilities. Three resources have been identified for further review but remain operational. They represent approximately 0.4 percent of the total ERCOT generation fleet.
“We are confident these 321 inspected facilities either meet or go beyond the new requirements from the Commission and we will continue to work with the other 3 facilities to ensure they correct remaining deficiencies,” said Woody Rickerson, ERCOT Vice President of System Planning and Weatherization. “Our teams spent thousands of hours preparing for and conducting these 324 on-site inspections to ensure the electric grid is prepared for winter.”
Results as of January 17, 2022: 324 ERCOT On-Site Inspections at 302 Generation Facilities and 22 Transmission Facilities
Generation Units, all deficiencies cleared - 299
Generation Units with remaining deficiencies - 3
Transmission Facilities, all deficiencies cleared - 22
Transmission Facilities with remaining deficiencies - 0
The Commission will determine any potential enforcement actions resulting from the inspections. Last year, the Texas Legislature increased the maximum penalties for violating weatherization rules to $1,000,000 per day per violation.
Electric Generation Fleet Ready for Winter Weather Following ERCOT On-site Winterization Inspections
AUSTIN, TX, Dec. 30, 2021 - The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has completed on-site inspections of mandatory winterization efforts, and inspection results show the independently-owned electric generation fleet and electric transmission companies serving the ERCOT region are ready for winter weather. Inspections were completed at more than 300 electric generation units, representing 85 percent of the megawatt hours lost during Winter Storm Uri due to outages and 22 transmission station facilities.
ERCOT has filed a preliminary summary inspection report with the Public Utility Commission of Texas and will submit its final inspection report on January 18, 2022 for review and any potential enforcement action. Earlier this year the Legislature increased the maximum penalties for violating weatherization rules to $1,000,000 per day per violation.
“Texans can be confident the electric generation fleet and the grid are winterized and ready to provide power,” said Woody Rickerson, Vice President of Grid Planning and Weatherization. “New regulations require all electric generation and transmission owners to make significant winterization improvements and our inspections confirm they are prepared.”
ERCOT does not own or operate any electric generation units or electric power lines. ERCOT, however, is responsible for balancing electric supply and demand on an electric grid that serves more than 26 million Texans representing about 90 percent of the state’s electric demand.
Of 302 generation resources inspected, some generators had exceeded PUC winterization requirements. Only ten generation resources inspected had items identified on the day of inspection requiring correction. For example, a generation unit may have needed a windscreen to be compliant, but it was not yet installed on the day of inspection. Many items like this have now been completed since the inspection occurred and all ten units are still operational. The ten generation units have a total capacity of 2,129 megawatts, representing about 1.7 percent of the total ERCOT generation fleet.
Of the 22 transmission station facilities inspected, ERCOT found that six had potential identified deficiencies, most of which have already been corrected. These were generally minor items, such as cabinet heaters out of service or missing weather stripping on cabinet doors on the day of inspection. Most of these items have already been corrected.
ERCOT will conduct follow-up inspections on the generation and transmission facilities with potential identified issues. ERCOT and its contractors have spent more than 3,600 hours on these inspection-related activities to date. Additionally, ERCOT and PUC staff are actively monitoring the compliance plans of the generation resources that requested additional time to finalize compliance with the new winterization regulations.
ERCOT has filed a preliminary summary inspection report with the Public Utility Commission of Texas and will submit its final inspection report on January 18, 2022 for review and any potential enforcement action. Earlier this year the Legislature increased the maximum penalties for violating weatherization rules to $1,000,000 per day per violation.
“Texans can be confident the electric generation fleet and the grid are winterized and ready to provide power,” said Woody Rickerson, Vice President of Grid Planning and Weatherization. “New regulations require all electric generation and transmission owners to make significant winterization improvements and our inspections confirm they are prepared.”
ERCOT does not own or operate any electric generation units or electric power lines. ERCOT, however, is responsible for balancing electric supply and demand on an electric grid that serves more than 26 million Texans representing about 90 percent of the state’s electric demand.
Of 302 generation resources inspected, some generators had exceeded PUC winterization requirements. Only ten generation resources inspected had items identified on the day of inspection requiring correction. For example, a generation unit may have needed a windscreen to be compliant, but it was not yet installed on the day of inspection. Many items like this have now been completed since the inspection occurred and all ten units are still operational. The ten generation units have a total capacity of 2,129 megawatts, representing about 1.7 percent of the total ERCOT generation fleet.
Of the 22 transmission station facilities inspected, ERCOT found that six had potential identified deficiencies, most of which have already been corrected. These were generally minor items, such as cabinet heaters out of service or missing weather stripping on cabinet doors on the day of inspection. Most of these items have already been corrected.
ERCOT will conduct follow-up inspections on the generation and transmission facilities with potential identified issues. ERCOT and its contractors have spent more than 3,600 hours on these inspection-related activities to date. Additionally, ERCOT and PUC staff are actively monitoring the compliance plans of the generation resources that requested additional time to finalize compliance with the new winterization regulations.