Still wary of the electric grid’s reliability, some Texans complied with ERCOT’s requests to conserve power this week

Paddleboarders walk to Barton Springs as temperatures rose to 105 degrees on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. After calls for energy conservation this week, Electric Reliability Council of Texas officials said the grid remained stable and ERCOT did not have to implement any serious emergency measures. (Credit: Kylie Cooper/The Texas Tribune)

In the sweltering heat, Everett Grey on Wednesday wearily turned up their thermostat to help lessen the stress on the state’s electricity system.

Grey set the temperature to 80 degrees at their aunt’s Denton home, where they have been petsitting for their family’s 60-pound poodle. They also unplugged most household appliances and closed the blinds.