SAN ANTONIO — Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which oversees the state's electric grid, declared the state of Texas at the highest energy emergency level early Monday morning because of lower power supply and high demand due to extremely low temperatures during the ongoing winter storm.
Rotating outages are underway, as of 1:40 a.m., and residents across the state should expect to lose power for 15 to 45 minutes, according to ERCOT.
As officials with ERCOT and the state urge Texans to conserve energy and reduce the amount of electricity used, the National Weather Service offered tips to keep warm without power.
Here's what NWS says to do in order to stay warm when the power is out:
- Close blinds or curtains to keep in some heat.
- Close off rooms to avoid wasting heat.
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.
- Eat and drink. Food provides energy to warm the body. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Stuff towels or rags in cracks under the doors.
Monday marked the first time ERCOT has initiated an EEA 3 emergency level since February 2011.
