AUSTIN, Texas — Sky-high heat prompted Texas’ grid operator to call on people across the state to conserve electricity as the state's electricity system was pushed to near emergency conditions Monday.
A conservation alert from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas was in effect for much of Monday afternoon as demand threatened to outpace supply and brought back memories of the power grid’s near failure during the February 2021 freeze that killed more than 200 Texans.
ERCOT sought to allay any fears of rolling blackouts even as it put out operations messages late Sunday that alluded to dire market conditions. But as the high heat of an extended heat wave pushed the grid to the limit, reserves remained outside of emergency conditions. The lights — and air conditioners — stayed on.
