As Texas gears up for the scorching summer months, Austin Energy has announced the completion of its weatherization readiness activities to fortify its power generation and transmission facilities against the intense heat. According to CBS Austin, the utility company has undergone a comprehensive series of maintenance tasks including the implementation of cooling systems to prevent vital equipment from overheating.
In a move to assure continuous service during peak demand, they've also coordinated timely deliveries of fuel supplies by bringing on a specialized utility supply chain manager, as reported by Austin Energy's news release. These preparations come in the wake of a series of record-breaking energy demands experienced last summer, where Texas hit a new all-time peak demand record tenfold.
With anticipation of another intense summer, Austin Energy encourages customers to take conservation measures. "Austin Energy’s summer preparations are complete as the state’s grid operator readies for what will likely be another record-breaking season regarding energy demand," Austin Energy stated. To support this initiative, the utility has been promoting its Power Partner Thermostats program, rewarding residential customers with bill credits when allowing remote adjustments to thermostats on days with high energy consumption.
Furthermore, Austin Energy offers energy-saving advice such as raising the thermostat by a few degrees and using fans to cool oneself, only when present in the room, to create a feel of temperatures about 4 degrees cooler. Keeping air conditioner coils clean and ensuring unblocked airflow around condensers were among other tips provided, aiming to promote both energy efficiency and longevity of the equipment. They also suggest avoiding oven use or laundry activities during the peak heat of day, opting for less heat-intensive appliances like microwaves instead.
