The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) continues to request that AEP Texas and other electric utilities increase the amount of power removed from their systems. While these controlled outages are meant to be limited in duration, the condition of the system is requiring that they be in effect for a longer period.
If you are currently experiencing an outage, you will likely be out of power for an extended period of time while this state of emergency continues. As of 10:30 a.m., the number of AEP Texas outages is approximately 362,000 across our service territory in south and west Texas.
AEP Texas continues to work with ERCOT to address the situation; however, it is too early to project when the situation will ease and the number of outages will begin to decrease. Customers should be prepared to remain without power for at least the rest of the day.
A concern continues about the smooth restoration of power when allowed by ERCOT. If you lose power, turn off your heating, and large appliances to enable smoother service restoration.
Once power is restored, you should switch the devices back on gradually over the following 30-to-45 minutes. Taking this step will help prevent a sudden surge in demand after power is restored, which could cause a second outage.
Energy conservation measures are urgently needed now through Tuesday. Steps to help reduce electricity use include:
• Turn the thermostat down 2-to-3 degrees • Set programmable thermostats to lower temperatures when no one is home.
• Limit use of large appliances (i.e., dishwasher, washer, dryer, etc.) • If you cook indoors from 2-to-8 p.m., use a microwave or slow cooker.
• Close blinds and drapes during late afternoon.
AEP Texas thanks everyone for their patience as we continue to respond this unprecedented power shortage caused by the extreme winter weather. AEP Texas will provide additional information as it becomes available.
AEP Texas, a unit of American Electric Power, delivers electricity to over a million consumers, businesses and industries in south and west Texas. AEP Texas provides regulated energy delivery service to consumers, regardless which Retail Electric Provider they choose. The region headquarters is in Corpus Christi.
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