Texas grid operator urges electricity conservation as heat wave drives up demand

(Austin, TX) Today, the Texas grid operator asked that Texans voluntarily reduce their energy use as temperatures reach record highs across the state. 

“Many Texans woke up this morning feeling anxious about whether the power would stay on this afternoon. This heat is not an aberration — climate change means it’s becoming our day-to-day reality,” said EDF Texas Political Director Colin Leyden. “Wind and solar power this week are in-line with the state’s projections and past performance — and advanced clean energy has proven essential in lowering Texans’ energy bills and providing the cheap, clean electricity that families and employers desperately need.

“But clearly, more needs to be done — especially since traditional coal and gas-fired power plants are proving to be less reliable than advertised.

“Texas must quickly adopt cost-efficient solutions that will fortify our grid and protect consumers struggling with high power bills. As a fast-growing state and the world's energy capital, we need to double down on our clean energy leadership. We also need to invest in innovative solutions such as energy efficiency improvements that protect homes from extreme weather, new energy generation and transmission investments, and things like rooftop solar panels that help people generate their own electricity and reduce demand on the grid.”