The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the governing body that oversees the electric grid in Texas, is asking all Texans to conserve power when they can during the peak hours of 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. through the weekend. ERCOT says extreme hot weather is driving record demand for power across the state, with multiple generation facilities offline.

Oncor is echoing this request for conservation in its role as the transmission and distribution company, or the poles and wires company that delivers electricity to many Texans. It does not own or operate power generation facilities, or sell, purchase or offer electricity retail services.

Customers can help by taking the following ERCOT conservation steps:

·         Turn off any unnecessary lights and equipment.

·         Turn thermostats to 78-degrees or above.

·         Set programmable thermostats to higher temperatures when no one is home.

·         Use fans to feel 4 to 6 degrees cooler.

·         Limit use of large appliances (i.e., dishwasher, washer, dryer, etc.).

·         If you cook indoors, use a microwave or slow cooker.

·         Close blinds and drapes during late afternoon.

·         Schedule pool pumps to run in the early morning or overnight hours.