As ERCOT prepares for potential record energy demand this summer, it unveiled a new campaign on Wednesday to improve communication about grid conditions.
Per ERCOT, current forecasts show demand this summer could potentially reach upwards of 83,000 MW.
Power usage in the state set a record last July when it surpassed 80,000 MW.
Pablo Vegas, President and CEO of the council, announced the new 'Texas Advisory and Notification System', or TXANS, during a press conference on Wednesday.
The system is designed as a "communications tool that delivers clear and reliable information on ERCOT grid conditions," according to ERCOT.
TXANS establishes four grid condition levels, beginning with normal grid conditions in which no action is needed.
The second level is the 'ERCOT Weather Watch', an alert to Texans days ahead of potential high demand because of weather conditions.
The third is a voluntary conservation notice, in which ERCOT will ask residents and government agencies to voluntarily conserve power in case of a high demand forecast and low energy supply.
The highest level is the 'Energey Emergency Alert' in which ERCOT will take specific action to meet demand, which could include controlled outages.
Vegas explained demand on the grid continues to grow at an "incredible pace" as the state sees more population and economic growth, but assured that the organization believes it has the resources to keep up.
"We don't expect a lot of conservation notices at this point," Vegas said of this summer.
Doug Lewin, energy expert and author of the The Texas Energy and Power Newsletter, said the state needs better policy to manage periods of high demand, not just a way of asking Texans to conserve.
"How many times can you call a conservation alert before the public goes 'I'm out,'" Lewin explained.
"Is it the second time? The fifth time? The eighth time? Is it never?"
Lewin said the best solution to grid uncertainty is to implements a demand response strategy, which could allow ERCOT to more successfully navigate exceptional demand.
The new system is a part of ERCOT's push to improve transparency. Vegas took over as CEO in 2022 after the previous CEO was fired following the 2021 winter storm.
"ERCOT remains committed to keeping all Texans informed," Vegas said.
"I believe that if we all work together, we can continue to move forward in a positive form to keep all stakeholders engaged and informed about grid conditions."
The TXANS website is now live. The site can be used to check current conditions and to sign up for alerts from ERCOT.
