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Austin Energy asks residents to save electricity and avoid blackouts
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas and Austin energy are asking residents to conserve energy while they are staying home due to the cold weather, as electricity across the state is in high demand—possibly higher than reserves have.
In a press conference on Sunday, Austin Energy Chief Operating Officer Sidney Jackson said they have been able to dramatically reduce the number of homes without power from Saturday. As of noon Sunday, 131 homes were without power and as of 6 p.m., around 240 homes are without power. These numbers are down dramatically from more than 10,000 homes without power on Thursday.
With stormy weather approaching and most people taking shelter from the cold, officials are asking residents to voluntarily conserve energy by keeping thermostats below 68 degrees, unplugging nonessential items, avoiding use of large appliances, shutting blinds and turning off unneeded lights.
We know it's cold. But if you turn down your heat to 68 degrees and put on a fleece, you can help keep the power flowing for everyone. #showusyourfleece#conservepic.twitter.com/PI7Lml1MLE
— ERCOT (@ERCOT_ISO) February 14, 2021
For safety reasons, Austin Energy recommends keeping your phone charged in case of a power outage in your area—you can report outages here and check the locations of power outages here.
As rumors of rolling outages—controlled temporary outages lasting 10-45 minutes to conserve energy circulating in West Texas—Austin Energy said they are prepared to conduct the outages if given orders from ERCOT.
Snow is coming down on some parts of Austin, and Austin Energy has dispatched crews to check on "known vulnerable areas" and is partnering with nearby hotels to get employees off the icy roads to sleep.
Austin will be under a winter storm warning until Monday at noon at the least.
- 10,000 without power in Austin as temperatures drop - austonia ›
- Winter freeze: Icy roads, power outages and school closures - austonia ›
- Snow day: power outages, icy roads and school closures - austonia ›
- Austin power outages could last through Tuesday - austonia ›
- Austin works to keep people, pets and pipes safe without power - austonia ›
- Austin Energy restores some power—but not for long - austonia ›
Popular
Tito's Handmade Vodka
Show your love for Tito's and for the community this year with a wide selection of not that ugly, uglyish, ugly, uglier, and ugliest holiday sweaters.
There's lots choose from, and plenty of accessories like scarves and socks, plus gear for your dog, too.
All of the items can be purchased online or at the Love, Tito’s Retail Store in Austin, TX. 100% of all net proceeds from online or in-store purchases go to one of the nonprofits we’ve teamed up with.
Click here to see the entire collection in the Tito's store.
🗓 All weekend
Check out this highly anticipated art exhibition with illuminated art along Waller Creek. Tickets are free and the event includes food vendors, dazzling lights, live music, and hands-on activities
All weekend 6 p.m - 10 p.m | 📍Waterloo Park
This iconic holiday tradition lights up for the first time this holiday season starting this weekend! Reserve your spot for an enchanting light and sound performance, delicious hot cocoa, sweet treats, and some overall fun with your friends or family. The show runs till January 6th.
6 p.m and 9 p.m | 📍Mozart's Coffee Roasters - 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
🗓 Saturday
This fitness event is free and open to the public. Get your morning started right with a "Fitness in the park" class for kickboxing! The class will be led by certified instructors and is a great way to get a cardio workout in while also honing your self-defense skills.
10 a.m - 11 a.m | 📍 Metz Park
Support local LBGTQ+ and female artists at this outdoor market with over 150 vendors. Get your holiday shopping out of the way at this event, with vendors for food trucks, handmade goods, raffles, hands on workshops and activities, and more.
Did someone say cheese?! If you're like me and always willing to get your hands on a bowl of mac and cheese, then this event is for you. Check out the Mac and Cheese festival happening this weekend to decide which vendor has. the best mac and cheese for yourself, and enjoy the bar with creative cocktails while you're at it. Tickets start at $45.
11 a.m - 3 p.m | 📍Lantana Place - 7415 Southwest Parkway
