UPDATE 6:30 A.M. ON FEB. 17 - ERCOT reports some power generation is slowly returning. Utilities restored power to 600,000 households last night. 2.7 million households still do not have power.
UPDATE 1:25 A.M. FEB 16 - ERCOT entered its third and highest level of emergency operations because electric demand is exceeding the available supply. Controlled outages are occurring to protect the electric grid from uncontrolled, cascading outages.
While the grid operator was already contending with frozen wind turbines and limited gas supplies to generating units on Feb. 14, a significant number of additional generating units tripped offline when the weather worsened overnight.
Approximately 34,000 MW of generation has been forced off the system during this event.
Controlled outages will likely last into tomorrow as ERCOT works to restore the electric system to normal operations.
UPDATE 2:45 P.M. ON FEB. 15 - The Texas power system is currently facing an unprecedented shortfall of electric generation. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has requested utilities across the state to implement controlled power outages to reduce high demand and protect the integrity of the electric grid.
The length of these controlled outages have been significantly extended due to the current emergency grid conditions and severe cold weather. ERCOT has said they could be required through Tuesday. Residents should be prepared to be without power for an extended period of time.
Residents are reminded not to call 9-1-1 for power outages. Utility providers are aware of power outages as well.
For those with power, even small steps, such as turning down the thermostat to 68 degrees, turning off and unplugging non-essential lights and appliances, and avoiding the use of large appliances like washers, dryers and dishwashers, can help make a difference.