ERCOT Asks Texans to Preserve Power By way of the Weekend – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

ERCOT, Texas' power grid operator, is putting out a call for all Texans to preserve energy over the next few days as we head right into a weekend with potentially document warmth.

In an announcement, the Electrical Reliability Council of Texas stated, "unseasonably scorching climate" was driving record demand throughout Texas" and that they need everybody to conserve energy between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday after six facilities unexpectedly tripped offline Friday afternoon.

ERCOT said six power plants dropped off the grid Friday, resulting in a lack of about 2,900 MW of technology -- that's sufficient electrical energy to energy roughly 580,000 homes.

In line with ERCOT knowledge, demand reached 65,412 MW shortly before 5 p.m. Friday. Since that point the demand has been dropping. At 5:30 p.m., ERCOT had operating reserves of roughly 3,400 MW and in an announcement on Friday afternoon mentioned, "At this time, all era resources out there are operating."

NBC 5's staff of weather consultants has warned that larger than normal temperatures may result in several damaged temperature information in the coming days. See the latest forecast here. NBC 5's Chief Meteorologist Rick Mitchell recommends taking warmth precautions this weekend together with scaling back outdoor actions so as not to overexert yourself in the warmth. You'll want to keep hydrated too. Also, maintain your pets cool and watered.