ERCOT Remains in Yellow Zone, No Emergency Conditions Ordered
As of 6:45 p.m. Thursday, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is operating in the yellow zone, indicating that no emergency conditions have been ordered for the power grid. However, should emergency conditions arise, there are three levels before a rolling blackout might occur.
At level one of the emergency conditions, conservation is requested from consumers to help alleviate strain on the grid. Level two advises creating a plan in case rolling blackouts become necessary, while level three emphasizes the importance of prioritizing health and safety by following city or county instructions and resources.
In the midst of these developments, Houston has been hit by extreme heat, with temperatures reaching a scorching 109 degrees. This matches the highest temperature ever recorded in the city.
Should a rolling blackout be ordered Thursday night, it would mark the fifth rolling outage in ERCOT’s history. The most recent occurrence took place during the February Freeze this year, with the previous one happening on Groundhog’s Day in 2011.
But what exactly are rolling blackouts? According to ERCOT, rolling blackouts are implemented when the predicted demand for electricity exceeds the supply. The purpose of these blackouts is to conserve energy and protect the entire utility system, as an imbalance between demand and supply can pose risks to the grid.
To prepare for a summer rolling blackout, it is important to focus on staying cool amid extreme heat conditions. Unplugging all devices is recommended to prevent damage from power surges when electricity is restored. It is also crucial to have non-electric sources of light, such as battery-operated flashlights and candles, as well as pre-charged solar-powered lanterns.
Stocking up on non-perishable food and food that does not require cooking is essential, as electric stoves will not operate during a blackout. Dry goods, canned goods, and pre-prepared non-perishables, along with water and juice, are recommended to have on hand.
During a blackout, refraining from opening the refrigerator or freezer helps to keep food cool. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that items can last up to four hours in a refrigerator without power, 48 hours in a full freezer, and 24 hours in a half-full freezer. Additional food safety tips can be found on the CDC website.
Lastly, it is crucial to have an evacuation plan in place that includes provisions for staying cool, having access to food and water if needed, and staying informed about the state of the power grid through social media, email, and texts from ERCOT and local utility providers.
While no emergency conditions have been ordered at present, staying prepared and informed is key during times of potential rolling blackouts.