Every summer the same thing happens. Heat wave rolls in. ERCOT issues a conservation alert. They ask everyone to set thermostats to 78+ and avoid running major appliances during peak hours. Meanwhile it's 108 outside.
We pay some of the highest electricity rates in the state during peak times, the grid barely handles the load, and their solution is "please use less of the product we sell you."
After 2021's winter storm killed over 200 people, they said changes were coming. The grid is still isolated from the national grid. Weatherization requirements are still weak. And every summer we hold our breath hoping the power stays on.
At what point do we demand better?
Check on your elderly neighbors during heat waves. Seriously. Heat stroke can kill and not everyone has working AC or the ability to get to a cooling center.