ERCOT has implemented rotating outages across the state, including Medina EC's area, as of 1:47AM on Monday, 2/15.
*UPDATE* Outages could last longer than 30 minutes. Because of the extreme load and lack of capacity, at this time we are now expecting each rotating outage to last longer. It is impossible for us to know how long they will last.
Original Message:
We will work to keep the most up-to-date information on our
Facebook page. During rotating outages situations changes quickly and we are unable to tell you an exact time you can expect to be without power. You can generally expect your power to go out for 30 minutes when you are up in the rotation. Following that, it will come back on until it is your turn again.
While you are without power: If you need to report an outage, we recommend doing so through SmartHub (
Online,
SmartHub app for Android,
SmartHub app for iPhone). If you call to report an outage at 1-866-MEC-ELEC, please be patient. Phone lines are likely to be overwhelmed since these rotating outage are impacting all of the 32,000 meters served by Medina EC at one point or another.
While you are without power, we ask that you turn your heating unit and any other large appliances or motors to the OFF position. Because those items use large amounts of electricity when power comes back on, turning them off helps prevent the system from being overloaded when power is restored. Overloading on the system can cause additional outages.
If you have power: All consumers are asked to help by conserving electricity through Wednesday, 2/17, while temperatures remain freezing.
Conservation Tips:
- Turn down your thermostat to 68°. If you can go a few degrees lower, please consider doing so.
- Close shades and blinds to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.
- Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances.
- Avoid using large appliances.
- Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible.
- Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes.
We know that any outage is inconvenient and ask that consumers follow these conservation tips. They can help shorten how long rotating outages will last.
