What to Expect During Rotating Outages

Before every summer and winter, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) forecasts potential electricity demand and capacity. If it appears that customer demand will exceed supply, ERCOT will initiate its Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) system.

Although most of these alerts call for energy conservation, ERCOT may call a statewide power emergency that could result in "rotating outages"—controlled, planned service interruptions designed to ensure grid stability. 

We anticipate that there will be sufficient generation to meet peak customer demand this summer and work closely with state and local officials to prepare for increased demand. But, we are always prepared if ERCOT must declare a power emergency.

Here's what you can expect if ERCOT calls a power emergency:

If ERCOT requires CoServ to lower the demand on its system, it will result in rotating outages. These outages will only last 15-20 minutes per neighborhood. 

If you're signed up for outage alerts, you'll receive a text or email indicating an outage at your residence. Our system automatically assesses a 2-hour estimated restoration time so we recommend visiting our outage map to ensure if you're experiencing a rotating outage. If so, you'll see a red box over our service territory with a red message indicating that mandated rotating outages are in effect. You will still receive a notification when power has been restored. 

Please report any outages lasting longer than 25 minutes while rotating outages are in effect. 

We want to keep the grid secure during these hot summer months. Want to do your part to conserve energy this summer? Check out our Energy Saving Tips!