The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has issued a weather watch from Monday, January 6, through Friday, January 10, as the state prepares for freezing temperatures.
ERCOT stated in a news release about the weather watch that the grid conditions are expected to be normal during this time but that there is “forecasted cold weather across the ERCOT region, higher electrical demand, and the potential for lower reserves.”
ERCOT noted that the weather watch is an “advance notification of forecasted significant weather with higher electrical demand and the potential for lower reserves.”
“At this time, grid conditions are expected to be normal, and there is no current expectation of an energy emergency. Texans should continue to monitor real-time and extended grid conditions at ercot.com,” continued the statement.
ERCOT confirmed that Texans need not take any action in response to the weather watch, but this directive could change based on the ongoing weather conditions.
Those who wish to receive notifications and updates from ERCOT about the grid conditions can sign up at the Texas Advisory and Notification System.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the city is expected to experience temperatures below freezing for the majority of the week, and there is a 60% chance of snowfall on Thursday morning.
These conditions prompted the city to open temporary shelters for unsheltered residents at the Oak Lawn United Methodist Church and Grand Place at Fair Park.
Volunteers above the age of 18 are needed at both locations. Those looking to help at the Oak Lawn Methodist Church can sign up here and those looking to volunteer at the Grand Place at Fair Park can sign up here.
The City of Dallas has also released a “Winter Weather Preparedness” sheet that outlines various tips for enduring the cold weather. The full list of recommendations is available here.