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.
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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.
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