Texans can now get text messages from the operator of the state’s main power grid when demand is expected to strain the system or an energy emergency develops. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas announced the change Tuesday, expanding a service that previously reached subscribers by email.
How to sign up
Residents can enroll through ERCOT’s Texas Advisory and Notification System and choose email, text messages or both. ERCOT said in its market notice that existing email subscribers were moved automatically to the new platform. They can update their preferences if they want texts. Messages are available in English and Spanish.
What the notices mean
A weather watch gives advance notice of conditions that could push electricity use higher or reduce available supply. Conservation messages ask customers to reduce demand. The service also carries all three levels of energy emergency alerts, including the highest level, when ERCOT can direct utilities to reduce demand through controlled outages.
The alerts describe conditions across the ERCOT grid. A household experiencing an outage should check with its local utility for restoration information.