Oncor: Rolling power outages could last through Tuesday, conservation measures crucial

Oncor sent new information to media outlets Monday afternoon regarding the widespread power outages across Texas amid record cold temperatures.

Here’s the discharge in full:

“The Texas power grid is currently facing an unprecedented shortfall of electrical generation. the electrical al Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has requested Oncor and utilities across the state to implement controlled power outages to scale back high demand and protect the integrity of the electric grid.

The length of those controlled outages are significantly extended thanks to the present emergency grid conditions and severe weather . These outages are happening across the service territory and ERCOT has said they might be required through Tuesday. We are asking all Oncor customers to be prepared to be without power for an extended period of your time .

In addition, we are responding to separate outages caused by the record-breaking winter storm that continues to impact our entire service territory. Oncor phone lines and reporting systems are experiencing a record influx of inquiries as a results of these two events, which can prevent customers from stepping into contact with one among our agents.

Customers don't got to report their outages at this point . Our crews still make repairs from the storm in order that when electric generation is out there it are often delivered. We urge any customer who is experiencing a life threatening or emergency event to please call 911.

We do everything possible to reply to every of those power emergency events. We remain in close coordination with ERCOT and that we appreciate everyone’s patience as we protect the integrity of the Texas grid.

Q: Why is my power out?

There are two major issues affecting many of consumers right now: winter storm outages and controlled power outages directed by ERCOT, which serve to scale back high demand and protect the integrity of the electrical grid. thanks to the fast paced nature of those two power emergency events, we aren't currently ready to break down the difference in outages on our Oncor Outage Map.

Q: When will my power be restored?

Given the unique combination of lack of generation and historic winter storm damage, estimated restoration times aren't yet known. For outages associated with the winter storm, our crews continue working round the clock to revive power. However, continued winter impacts like extreme cold, treacherous road conditions and ice buildup is impacting progress.

Controlled outages associated with grid supply and demand are significantly extended thanks to the present emergency grid conditions and severe weather . so as to preserve the reliability of the grid, ERCOT has said that additional generation are going to be needed before power are often restored.

These outages are happening across the service territory and ERCOT has said they might be required through Tuesday. We are asking all Oncor customers to be prepared to be without power for an extended period of your time .

Q: Why are some homes out for hours et al. for minutes or not at all?

Again, there are two major issues affecting many of consumers right Now: winter storm outages and controlled power outages directed by ERCOT. We are using all designated power lines for controlled outages in order that hospitals and other critical infrastructure remains intact and system stability is preserved. this suggests that customers near critical facilities, or those in limited areas where rolling outages won’t happen so as to take care of grid stability, might not experience outages, while those farther from these facilities or areas could also be out multiple times or for extended instances.

Oncor Rolling power outages

Additionally, during instances of considerable generation drop, there are safeguards built into the system that drop power loads automatically so as to stop cascading widespread outages, or ultimately a blackout. These are designed to be shorter term drops that are reset quicker than controlled outages to organize for subsequent response opportunity.

Q: When will power generation plants come on-line?

Due to the severe winter storm, we don't know and it's outside of our control. Conditions for power generation still be very serious and therefore the combination of winter weather and reduced generation is unprecedented within the state of Texas. We are prepared for emergency operations to continue for a minimum of several days.”

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is urging Texas residents to scale back electricity and ordered providers to start rolling blackouts early Monday morning. Over 2 million customers went without power for brief periods Monday morning as officials worked to conserve energy.

As of 11:30 a.m. quite 13,000 Grayson County customers were without power.

ERCOT announced they entered emergency conditions and initiated rotating outages at 1:25 a.m. Monday.

About 10,500 MW of customer load was shed at the very best point. this is often enough power to serve approximately two million homes.

Extreme weather caused many generating units – across fuel types – to trip offline and become unavailable.

There is now over 30,000 MW of generation forced off the system.

“Every grid operator and each power company is fighting to revive power immediately ,” said ERCOT President and CEO Bill Magness.

Rotating outages will likely last throughout the morning and will be initiated until this weather emergency ends.

Oncor, the electrical delivery provider for the greater North Texas area, said rotating outages typically last 15-45 minutes in each area but may vary. These outages are proven effective at protecting the electrical grid during times of incredibly high electric demand and low supply.

Oncor said some customers may experience longer outages if power surges cause breakdown during the restoration process. Potential power surges are often minimized by turning off appliances, lights and other equipment, apart from one task light to work out when power has been restored. Customers without power for quite 45 minutes should report outages to Oncor by calling 888.313.4747 or texting bent 66267 if they're registered in My Oncor Alerts. While it's not known at this point how long the necessity for rotating outages will last, Oncor will immediately notify customers once ERCOT determines these outages should cease.

· Businesses should minimize the utilization of electrical lighting and electricity-consuming equipment the maximum amount as possible.

· Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes.

Safety, both for patrons and crews, is that the single most vital principle of Oncor. During these rotating outages, customers are encouraged to require safety precautions like staying off the road the maximum amount as possible, checking in on neighbors – especially senior citizens and anyone with a medical condition – and having a security kit prepared and accessible.

“Oncor recognizes how unsettling rotating outages are often to our customers, especially within the face of this severe winter weather, and that we will exerting to attenuate the impact of those outages the maximum amount as possible,” said Connie Piloto, Oncor Director of Communications. “We ask customers to please still conserve what they will . We’ve heard firsthand from many of our customers about the conservation efforts they need made and that we greatly appreciate everyone’s continued participation.”

Customers can help by taking the subsequent conservation steps. Given the prolonged, below-freezing temperatures, conservation measures should be implemented safely and reasonably.