Austin Mayor Shares Energy Conservation Tips Amid Soaring Summer Heat
Austin, TX – As the summer heat continues to intensify across Central Texas, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson has stepped forward with practical advice regarding energy conservation. In a press conference on Monday, Mayor Watson discussed the state of the electric grid and provided beneficial tips to help residents manage the energy demand during this heatwave.
An Unusually Hot August
Following an exceptionally cool and wet July, there’s been a turn of the tables in August – Austin’s metro area temperatures are on their way to beat the summer average, with the forecast suggesting continued hot and dry weather. With the heat index expected to reach triple-digit figures consistently, the Mayor has expressed concern over the capacity of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which governs the region’s electric grid.
Energy Conservation Tips and ERCOT’s Alert Levels
Mayor Watson emphasized how necessary it is for individual households and businesses to conserve energy during peak consumption periods. This initiative, he says, could help stabilize the grid and lessen the likelihood of undergoing emergency measures enforced by ERCOT.
The Mayor suggested straightforward steps for effective energy conservation:
- Adjusting the AC temperature
- Avoid running appliances consistently
- Turning off lights when not in use
- Businesses limiting their energy use during late afternoons and early evenings
Putting these measures into practice can have an immediate impact on the grid load. Even small adjustments can make a big difference and ensure sufficient power generation for the entire community – essentially helping to avoid outages.
Joining Hands To Save Energy
Residents and businesses in Austin are advised to be prepared as the grid conditions might change rapidly, with immediate conservation requests potentially coming from Austin Energy or ERCOT. Their cooperative efforts can significantly contribute to curbing the power demand and maintaining a stable electric supply during this challenging period.
Source: Austin Energy/ERCOT
