ERCOT expands notification system for grid emergencies and conservation

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has launched the enhanced version of its Texas Advisory Notification System (TXANS). 

TXANS was created as a communication tool between ERCOT and the public regarding grid conditions and events. Typical coverage includes forecasted weather events, high electricity demand periods and any emergency grid reliability actions. 

The latest update further centralizes the platform as the single source of information users need for all grid notifications. For the first time, users will be able to sign up to receive text messages. Subscribers will be able to update their notification preferences to opt into emails, texts or both. 

Users will be able to receive the latest information about the following events: 

• Weather Watch. 
• Voluntary Conservation Notice. 
• Conservation Appeal. 
• Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) Levels 1, 2 and 3. 

Weather Watch monitors and alerts users about the latest developments for upcoming atmospheric events. The notifications will typically send out alerts when there will be high energy demand or a potential for lower reserves. 

Voluntary Conservation Notices are issued when high demand is coupled with lower reserves. During these periods, ERCOT requests customers to reduce energy consumption as needed and is safely allowed. Government agencies are also requested to lower energy usage at facilities. 

In a similar but more severe strain, ERCOT will issue a Conservation Appeal when higher demand is forecasted alongside conditions that may lead to entering emergency operations. The public and government facilities will once again be asked to conserve electricity for a time until conditions stabilize. 

EEAs are divided across three stages of severity: 

• Level 1 occurs when reserves drop below 2,500 megawatts (MW) and are not expected to recover within 30 minutes. ERCOT is not required to implement controlled outages, although residents are recommended to conserve energy. 
• Level 2 occurs when reserves drop below 2,000 MW and are not expected to recover within 30 minutes. In addition, the alert may be issued if frequency drops below 59.91 hertz (Hz) for 15 minutes. While systemwide controlled outages are still not in effect at this stage, ERCOT emphasizes the importance of energy conservation. 
• Level 3 occurs when reserves drop below 1,500 MW or the frequency level drops below 59.8 Hz for any amount of time. ERCOT will implement controlled outages during this period and direct utilities to protect the grid by reducing demand. 

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