POWER OUT
Widespread power outages were reported, with more than AEP Texas reporting more than 19,000 customers without power in Hidalgo, Starr and Cameron counties shortly after 7:30 a.m.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas — which manages much of the state's electric grid — ordered rotating blackouts across the state to cope with heightened demand for power.
Rotating outages are controlled, temporary interruptions of electric service, typically lasting 10 to 45 minutes per neighborhood. The locations and durations are determined by the local utilities. Critical need customers such as hospitals and nursing homes are generally not included.
It is not known how long the need for rotating outages will last, officials said.
People are urged to reduce their electricity use to the lowest level possible, including these steps:
>> Limit electricity usage to only that consumption which is absolutely necessary. Turn off all unnecessary lights, appliances, and electronic equipment.
>> Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible.
>> Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes.
Widespread power outages were reported, with more than AEP Texas reporting more than 19,000 customers without power in Hidalgo, Starr and Cameron counties shortly after 7:30 a.m.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas — which manages much of the state's electric grid — ordered rotating blackouts across the state to cope with heightened demand for power.
Rotating outages are controlled, temporary interruptions of electric service, typically lasting 10 to 45 minutes per neighborhood. The locations and durations are determined by the local utilities. Critical need customers such as hospitals and nursing homes are generally not included.
It is not known how long the need for rotating outages will last, officials said.
People are urged to reduce their electricity use to the lowest level possible, including these steps:
>> Limit electricity usage to only that consumption which is absolutely necessary. Turn off all unnecessary lights, appliances, and electronic equipment.
>> Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible.
>> Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes.