ERCOT Asks Everyone to Conserve Energy Monday Afternoon

From Austin Business Journal, August 4, 2008...

With three digit temperatures heating the Austin area, and all of Texas, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas and the Public Utility Commission are asking businesses and residents to cut down on the amount of electricity they use Monday afternoon, between the peak hours of 3 to 7 p.m.

During the four-hour period, Ercot is asking businesses and residents to set their air conditioning at 80 degrees or higher, add fans for cooling, close the blinds and drapes, avoid the usage of large appliances and turn off all lights or electric-powered equipment that is not in-use.

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Study: In Texas, Wind Power Beats Natural Gas

From news.com April 11, 2008...

Wind power is worth it, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas.

ERCOT studied the costs and benefits of wind power in three scenarios and concluded that expanding wind power in Texas would outweigh the total costs of boosting the state's electrical grid with conventional technologies.

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ERCOT Says Changes to Power Grid to Cost More

From the Waco Tribune-Herald January 17, 2008...

A plan to change the way the state power grid operates will cost about $62 million more than expected, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas said Wednesday.

ERCOT's board voted to raise the cost of switching to a "nodal" market to $311.3 million. The previous estimate was $248.9 million.

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