Potential for emergency controlled outages increases on Monday and Tuesday

AEP Texas indicates that the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) appears likely to direct the transmission and distribution companies to temporarily interrupt power as an emergency procedure to avoid a large-scale outage and prevent long-term damage to the electric system. This directive is much likely to occur on Monday or Tuesday.

If ordered, AEP Texas will rotate the areas affected so that consumers will be impacted for a limited amount of time -- typically 30 minutes to an hour. The amount of time required to restore service could be delayed in some cases due to system and weather conditions.

If you lose power, turn off your heating, water heater 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.

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

• Turn down the thermostat 2 to 3 degrees especially during the peak hours of 2-to-8 p.m. (Consider wearing additional layers of clothing to remain comfortable.)

• 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 to keep heat inside.

AEP Texas will provide additional information aa it's available.