ERCOT DECLARES ENERGY EMERGENCY ALERT LEVEL 2

Limit energy use and prepare for possible loss of power  

September 6, 2023 (SAN ANTONIO) –The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which manages the statewide grid, has called an Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) Level 2 indicating power reliability is at risk due to high temperatures and energy demand. Customers are asked to limit energy use to help the grid.

This alert indicates conservation is at a critical need.  ERCOT has 3 Energy Emergency Alert Levels, at Level 2 ERCOT can reduce demand and at Level 3 ERCOT may use controlled rotating outages as a last resort to protect the grid. If rotating outages are called, we anticipate these controlled outages will last for approximately 15 minutes.  These situations move very quickly, and we will give you as much notice as possible but expect a short window from notice to impact.

Please take action to conserve energy. 

Increase your thermostat if it’s safe to do so. Turn off lights you do not need on, use fans for cooling, and do not use large appliances. If you have a pool, turn off the pump and avoid charging electric vehicles.  

The community’s collective help is needed for energy conservation. Please keep electronic devices charged for as long as you can and have a plan for medical devices. While CPS Energy has enough power to meet local energy demand, the utility is urging customers to join fellow Texans to do their part in conservation efforts.   

Customers are asked to conserve energy using the following tips:   

• Limit power usage   
• Prepare for possible loss of power and implement your household plan for emergencies   
• Be ready to initiate your plan for alternative operation of medical devices, if needed   
• Turn off pool pumps   
• Avoid charging electric vehicles (EV), or charge overnight   
• Set programmable thermostats to higher temperatures if safe to do so.  The optimum energy-saving temperature is 78 – 80 degrees.  
• Avoid using large appliances (i.e., ovens, washing machines, etc.)  
• Use fans to feel 4 to 6 degrees cooler. Remember: fans cool people by moving air across the skin. They don’t cool rooms and should be turned off in empty rooms.  
• Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances.  
• Close shades and blinds on windows exposed to direct sunlight.  
• Check cpsenergy.com and CPS Energy’s social media for updates.  

Business customers are encouraged to:  

• Minimize the use of lighting and electric equipment as much as possible.  
• Consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes.  

Find more information about places to stay cool here. 

More preparedness & safety tips can be found here: https://www.cpsenergy.com/prepare. 

Find info about energy conservation levels and tips here: https://www.cpsenergy.com/conservation  

ERCOT has issued their Weather Watch through Friday, September 8, 2023, and customers should continue to monitor and be prepared. Statewide electricity demand updates from ERCOT can be found through the following:  

• TXANS – A communication tool that delivers clear and reliable information on ERCOT grid conditions.   
• Track statewide electricity at ERCOT and view daily peak demand forecast, current load, and available generation.   
• Sign up for the ERCOT mobile app (available for download at the Apple App Store and Google Play)   
• Follow ERCOT on Twitter (@ERCOT_ISO) and Facebook  for daily updates  

 CPS Energy customers are encouraged to update their contact information to stay informed of emergencies. Updates can be made online in Manage My Account or by calling (210) 353-2222.  For local updates follow CPS Energy on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and NextDoor.   

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About CPS Energy  

Established in 1860, CPS Energy is the nation’s largest public power, natural gas, and electric company, providing safe, reliable, and competitively-priced service to more than 930,114 electric and 381,379 natural gas customers in San Antonio and portions of seven adjoining counties. Our customers’ combined energy bills rank among the lowest of the nation’s 20 largest cities – while generating $9 billion in revenue for the City of San Antonio for 80 years. As a trusted and strong community partner, we continuously focus on job creation, economic development, and educational investment. We are powered by our skilled workforce, whose commitment to the community is demonstrated through our employees’ volunteerism in giving back to our city and programs aimed at bringing value to our customers. CPS Energy is among the top public power wind energy buyers in the nation and number one in Texas for solar generation.