Energy Emergency Alerts

ERCOT issues Energy Emergency Alerts when generation reserves drop below 2300 MW.  ERCOT uses three levels with each level indicating a more severe lack of reserves.

Why are EEAs needed?

For every electric grid, there exists a finite amount of electric generation available.  If conditions exist that increase the amount of load (such as extreme high or low temperature) or decreases the amount of generation available, there can be a lack of reserves.

• EEA Level 1

  • Operating reserves are less than 2300 MW and conditions are not expected to improve within 30 minutes
  • All available power supplies are called on including from other grids when available

• EEA Level 2

  • Operating reserves are less than 1750 MW and conditions are not expected to improve within 30 minutes
  • ERCOT may call on large industrial customers to reduce demand if they have contractually agreed to do so.

• EEA Level 3

  • If Operating reserves are less than 1375 MW, ERCOT moves into level 3
  • If Operating reserves are less than 1000 MW and conditions are not expected to improve within 30 minutes, ERCOT will order transmission companies to start rotating outages