ERCOT Asks Texans to Preserve Energy By means of the Weekend – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Price

ERCOT, Texas' power grid operator, is putting out a call for all Texans to conserve power over the following few days as we head into a weekend with probably record heat.

In a statement, the Electrical Reliability Council of Texas said, "unseasonably scorching climate" was driving document demand throughout Texas" and that they want everybody to conserve energy between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday after six services unexpectedly tripped offline Friday afternoon.

ERCOT said six power crops dropped off the grid Friday, resulting in a lack of about 2,900 MW of generation -- that is sufficient electricity to power roughly 580,000 properties.

Based on ERCOT data, demand reached 65,412 MW shortly before 5 p.m. Friday. Since that time the demand has been dropping. At 5:30 p.m., ERCOT had working reserves of roughly 3,400 MW and in an announcement on Friday afternoon mentioned, "Presently, all technology resources available are working."

NBC 5's staff of weather experts has warned that greater than regular temperatures might result in several damaged temperature data within the coming days. See the most recent forecast here. NBC 5's Chief Meteorologist Rick Mitchell recommends taking warmth precautions this weekend including scaling again out of doors actions in order not to overexert yourself in the warmth. Make sure to keep hydrated too. Additionally, maintain your pets cool and watered.