This summer, Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend have been under extreme heat advisories with the temperatures reaching the hundreds and the heat index well over 110. A record breaking demand is expected on Thursday, Sept. 5 and Friday, Sept. 6. ERCOT (The Electric Reliability Council of Texas) is requesting conservation efforts from 3:30 – 7:00 p.m. due to the extreme weather.

“ERCOT’s job is to ensure power is available all over Texas,” said ERCOT CEO Bill Magness, ““When electricity demand and heat reach levels like we expect on Thursday and Friday, we ask Texans to consider taking a few steps to help keep power flowing for all of us.”

NEC Co-op Energy Members can reduce the amount of energy consumed by your home through these simple rules:

• Set thermostat 2 to 3 degrees higher during peak hours of 3 to 7 p.m.
• Set thermostat to higher temp when the house is empty.
• Use plug-in fans.
• Only run large appliances (washing machine, dishwasher, etc.) in the morning or after 7 p.m.
• To make food during peak hours, use microwave or slow cooker.
• Close blinds and drapes during peak hours.
• Run pool pumps in the early morning or overnight. Shut off between 4 and 6 p.m.

For more tips about conservation, visit www.ercot.com/about/conservation (link is external) or http://powertosavetexas.org/

– NEC Co-op Energy, Electricity Company in Texas