Unprecedented Demands on the Electricity Grid
February 15, 2021
Friends,
I know many of you are frustrated with the outages of electricity, gas and water many of us are experiencing right now. The power at our home began cycling off and on every ten minutes or so yesterday evening and went completely down at 1:40 am. I know many others are in the same predicament. This article has some answers as to the current situation we are facing.
The bottom line, it’s a combination of unseen demand and power generation disruptions. Over 30,000 MW of generation was forced off the system this morning and over 2 million without power. The disruptions are due to fuel shortages, grid overload and other mechanical failures. For example, 1/2 of all wind turbines are frozen. (No excuse for that!) In many areas the local power distribution grid can’t carry the power demand. Just like an extension cord, the power lines in your neighborhood have a capacity limit.
Please be patient. This weather will pass. It’s hard on everyone especially elderly and families with young children. Please pray for those who are in a critical situation.
Sincerely,
WARMING CENTER
If you are in Wise County – a warming shelter has been set up at the Decatur Conference Center. More details can be found HERE. The on site number for more information is 940-393-0280.
Parker County Warming Centers
Hudson Oaks 100 Cinema Drive Hudson Oaks, TX 76087. This is the new High Ridge Church (in old City Lights building).
Willow Park Christ Chapel in Willow Park Upper Level: 3906 IH-20 East Service Road Access Willow Park 76087. PETS IN CRATES ONLY. Hours of operation for this center are all day today thru 8AM Wednesday morning and a decision will be made to extend operations as needed.
Weatherford WISD 9th Grade Center 1007 South Main Weatherford, TX 76086. Hours of operation for this center are NOON today thru 8AM Wednesday morning and a decision will be made to extend operations as needed.
Azle The Church at Azle 1801 South Stewart Street Azle, TX 76020. PETS IN CRATES ONLY. Hours of operation for this center are NOON today thru 8AM Wednesday morning and a decision will be made to extend operations as needed.
Springtown The First Baptist Church Springtown 500 N Main St, Springtown, TX 76082 Hours of operation for this center are all day today thru 8AM Thursday morning and a decision will be made to extend operations as needed.
Springtown The Hilltop Church Springtown 1227 Old Cottondale Rd, Springtown, TX 76082. No Pets. Hours of operation for this center are all day today thru 8AM Thursday morning and a decision will be made to extend operations as needed.
ERCOT Updates
For up to date information on the ERCOT grid, tips on how to conserve energy or to track electricity supply & demand in Texas click HERE.