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AEP Texas begins controlled power outages, to continue over next 24 hours

3 years 1 month 1 week ago Monday, February 15 2021 Feb 15, 2021 February 15, 2021 6:36 AM February 15, 2021 in News - Local
By: KRGV Digital Team

Editor's note: This story has been updated.

If you are currently experiencing an outage, you will likely be out of power for an extended period of time while this state of emergency continues, according to a news release from AEP

Click here to find AEP outages. 

Click here to find Magic Valley outages. 

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), a corporation which manages the flow of electric power to more than 26 million Texas customers and represents about 90 percent of the state’s electric load, has requested that AEP and other electric utilities continue controlled power outages. 

"While these controlled outages are meant to be limited in duration, the condition of the system is requiring that they be in effect for a longer period," AEP stated in a news release. 

As of 10:30 a.m., there have been approximately 362,000 AEP Texas outages across south and west Texas. 

AEP says it's too early to project when the situation will ease and the number of outages will begin to decrease. 

Customers should be prepared to remain without power for at least the rest of the day, according to a news release. 

AEP recommends the following tips:

  • If you lose power, turn off your heating, and large appliances to enable smoother service restoration. Once power is restored, you should switch the devices back on gradually over the following 30-to-45 minutes. Taking this step will help prevent a sudden surge in demand after power is restored, which could cause a second outage.
  • The controlled rotating outages are anticipated to continue for over the next 24 hours although this initial projection could change.

Energy conservation measures are urgently needed now through Tuesday to help prevent an ERCOT directive to interrupt power. Steps to help reduce electricity use include:

  • • Turn the thermostat down 2 to 3 degrees during the peak hours of 2-to-8 p.m.
  • • Set programmable thermostats to lower temperatures when no one is home.
  • • Limit use of large appliances (i.e., dishwasher, washer, dryer, etc.) to morning or after 8 p.m.
  • • If you cook indoors from 2-to-8 p.m., use a microwave or slow cooker.
  • • Close blinds and drapes during late afternoon.

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