ERCOT will only request conservation if it is necessary for grid reliability. This alert will be seen frequently during the summer months (June, July, August).  Members are encouraged to conserve energy by following these guidelines: (1) Turn your thermostat up 2-3°, (2) Turn off non-essential lights, & (3) Avoid using large appliances.

Operating reserves drop below 2,300 MW and are not expected to recover within 30 minutes. This occurs when the state is experiencing periods of high electric demand and a low reserve of power. At this stage, ERCOT can call on additional resources that are only available in tight conditions, so rotating outages are not likely.

Operating reserves fall below 1,750 MW. ERCOT can reduce demand on the grid by interrupting power for large industrial customers that have contractually agreed to have their electricity turned off in an emergency. This occurs when there is a likelihood that rotating outages will be needed to reduce the load on the electric grid.

Operating reserves drop below 1,375 MW. If conditions do not improve within 30 minutes, continue to deteriorate or operating reserves drop below 1,000 MW, ERCOT can order utilities to implement rotating outages. Utilities across the state will be instructed to begin rotating outages to preserve the reliability of the electric grid.

Rotating outages are controlled, temporary disruptions in electricity service that rotate by location to help reduce the load on the electric grid. Typically, these disruptions last from 10 to 45 minutes before being rotated to another location.