Texas Electric Grid
You may have heard of ERCOT, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, on the news and wondered about its relationship with CoServ.
ERCOT acts as the traffic controller for the electric grid. They call on power generators, such as natural gas plants, coal plants, wind turbines, and solar farms, to be turned on. Typically, the cheapest sources of power are called on first.
After power is generated, it travels long distances at high voltage on transmission lines, which sit atop the large metal poles you see around your area. These transmission lines end at the substation, which reduces the voltage. This is where CoServ comes in.
As an electric cooperative and local distribution utility, CoServ’s mission is to deliver reliable, affordable electricity to our Members through the distribution system. From the substation, CoServ uses its utility poles, wires, transformers and other equipment to deliver electricity to homes, businesses, parks and schools.
ERCOT’s mission is to ensure power plants generate enough electricity to meet demand and maintain grid stability. When the reserve margin (the gap between supply and demand) dips below certain thresholds, ERCOT can begin to initiate notices to the public. This typically happens on an extremely hot or very cold day. These alerts range from a call for conservation to a statewide emergency with controlled outages.
CoServ is required to follow ERCOT’s lead when it comes to alerts for the health of the grid.
The information below explains who ERCOT is, what controlled outages look like, ERCOT's Energy Emergency Alerts and what to expect during controlled outages.
Who is ERCOT?
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is a nonprofit corporation authorized by the Texas Legislature and subject to oversight by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Texas Legislature. ERCOT manages the flow of electric power to more than 26 million Texas customers, representing about 90 percent of the state’s electric load.
As the independent system operator for the region, ERCOT schedules power on an electric grid that connects more than 46,500 miles of transmission lines and 710 generation units.
For more information, visit ERCOT.com.
ERCOT Energy Emergency Alerts
ERCOT will initiate its Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) system in the event demand exceeds supply. Alerts range from calls for conservation to a declaration of a statewide power emergency that could result in controlled outages.
Normal Conditions
The grid is operating normally. Supply and demand are balanced.
Voluntary Conservation Notice
Forecasted high demand and lower reserves. Reduce electric use, if safe to do so.
Conservation Appeal
Demand is higher, reserves are lower with the potential to enter emergency operations. Conserve electric use.
Energy Emergency Level 1
Conservation is critical.
Reserves are below 2,500 MW and expected to remain below for 30 minutes. We have entered into emergency operations. No controlled outages. Conservation is critical.
Energy Emergency Level 2
Conservation is very critical
Reserves are below 2,000 MW and expected to remain below for 30 minutes, or frequency has dropped below 59.91 Hz for 15 minutes. No controlled outages at this time, but they are possible.
Energy Emergency Level 3
Controlled Outages in Progress.
Reserves are below 1,500 MW and expected to remain below for 30 minutes, or frequency has dropped below 59.8 Hz for any period of time. Controlled outages are occurring, which impact all customer classes, including residential, commercial, and industrial.
We work closely with state and local officials to prepare for the demand a growing economy brings. To learn more about the Electric Reliability Council of Texas visit ERCOT.com. For links to download the ERCOT app, which provides real-time grid conditions, click here.
Controlled Outages (Mandated Load Shed)
Controlled outages are controlled, planned service interruptions designed to ensure grid stability and prevent grid failure. If demand is projected to exceed supply, ERCOT will call for energy conservation. If grid conditions do not improve, they will initiate their Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) system, a declaration of a statewide power emergency that could result in controlled outages.
Accounts that are critical during an emergency or provide major support to the electric system during an emergency may be listed as a Commercial Critical Care Account*. Visit Critical Care – Commercial Accounts for more information.
* Critical Care distinctions do not guarantee an uninterrupted supply of electricity.
What to Expect During Controlled Outages
During extreme circumstances, and at the direction of ERCOT, the Texas grid manager, CoServ may have to initiate controlled, temporary interruptions of electric service called controlled outages to reduce demand and ensure the state electric grid’s stability.
If CoServ is required to help lower the demand grid, we will initiate controlled outages. These controlled outages should only last 30 to 60 minutes per rotation.
Should you experience an extended outage of one hour or more, please utilize SmartHub or text OUT to 855-938-3496 to report a possible outage unrelated to this situation.
Click here to access and bookmark our Outage Map.
We want to do our part to keep the electric grid stable. To learn ways you can help, check out our energy-saving tips.
Controlled Outages FAQ
Who orders controlled outages and why?
How do we get to the point where Controlled Outages are necessary?
Physical Responsive Capacity (PRC) is a measurement of operating reserves to meet increased demand for energy. PRC is similar to bench depth on a sports team. These resources would be available and helpful in different ways to meet the team's needs to accomplish their goal. Energy Emergency Alert Level 3 is triggered when the PRC drops below 1,000 MW and is not expected to recover within 30 minutes. This condition indicates that demand exceeds supply. When this occurs, the system frequency will decrease. To prevent damage and the possible failure of generators as they try to keep up with the increased demand, demand is reduced through controlled outages.
Why does CoServ have to comply with these requests?
ERCOT instructs electric transmission and distribution utilities to reduce power on the system to balance supply and demand. CoServ is obligated to follow instructions from ERCOT under PUCT regulations.
These controlled outages help establish grid stability by keeping generators available. Controlled outages are stopped when demand is anticipated to not exceed supply any longer and restoration will not jeopardize grid stability. In a worst-case scenario, if the state’s electric grid becomes unstable and collapses, restoration could range from weeks to months depending upon the primary cause of failure.
What to expect from CoServ during an ERCOT EEA event?
Controlled outages typically last 30 to 60 minutes. During these outages, service is interrupted to several feeders at a time to meet load shed requirements before rotating to another section.
CoServ’s Critical Load designation is a listing of nonresidential Members that can be classified as public safety, industrial, or natural gas infrastructure and have an approved Critical Load application with CoServ. Critical load designations are determined based on PUCT substantive rules. When controlled outages are mandated, CoServ rotates feeders in the time blocks described while prioritizing designated Critical Loads for restoration as much as practicable. Critical Load designation does not guarantee an uninterrupted, regular, or continuous power supply.
When do controlled outages occur?
If electric generation cannot meet consumer demand, typically during periods of extreme heat or cold temperatures, ERCOT begins emergency operations and activates its Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) System. Typically, before requesting controlled outages, ERCOT takes other steps to reduce demand, including requests for energy conservation. However, as a last resort and to prevent uncontrolled blackouts, ERCOT will instruct utilities to implement controlled outages. The outages could occur without notice because of emergency orders from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). All electric utilities must comply until ERCOT determines that controlled outages are no longer needed.
What should I do when ERCOT issues a call for conservation or an Energy Emergency Alert?
Everyone must work together to conserve energy when ERCOT requests conservation. Reducing electricity usage early could prevent the grid from reaching more critical levels which could force ERCOT to call for controlled outages. Visit our Energy Efficiency section for conservation tips.
What is a Residential Critical Care Account?
If someone who lives in your home uses life-sustaining equipment, your account may qualify as a Residential Critical Care Account*. Visit Critical Care – Residential Accounts for more information.
* Critical Care distinctions do not guarantee an uninterrupted supply of electricity.
How do you qualify as a Commercial Critical Care Account?
Accounts that are critical during an emergency or provide major support to the electric system during an emergency may be listed as a Commercial Critical Care Account*. Visit Critical Care – Commercial Accounts for more information.
* Critical Care distinctions do not guarantee an uninterrupted supply of electricity.