Due to unprecedented energy demand during the winter storm, The Electric Reliability Council of Texas — the Texas grid operator — has declared an Energy Emergency Alert Level 3.
As of 6:55 a.m. in the Big Country and Concho Valley areas, power outages reported are affecting more than 30,000 AEP Energy customers in the area.
ERCOT initiates directive for controlled rotating outages; Rotation anticipated to continue over next 24 hourshttps://t.co/nBb61L0EMN
— AEP Texas (@AEPTexas) February 15, 2021
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That means utilities across the state have been instructed to begin rotating outages because there is not enough power available to keep up with consumer demand.
Rotating outages are controlled, temporary interruptions of electrical service implemented by utilities when it is necessary for ERCOT to reduce demand on the system. This type of demand reduction is only used as a last resort to preserve the reliability of the electric system as a whole.
Rotating outages are typically limited to 10 to 40 minutes — but may last longer — before being rotated to another location.
ERCOT anticipates the need for rotating outages may last for the next several hours.
The power demand is expected to break an all-time record during this statewide winter storm.
