possible rolling blackouts in houston due to high demand for electricity

**ladykemma2** · 07-14-2011, 07:32 PM

they're asking everybody to turn off, unplug , not run dishwasher or appliances, a/c set at 80 or so, and be diligent about electricity usage during peak hours 3-7 pm.

**Syn D** · 07-14-2011, 08:07 PM

That's a rough time of day to do it, with dinner, etc.. I know I'd have a problem in that time frame..

**ladykemma2** · 07-14-2011, 08:17 PM

Electricity Conservation Urged Thursday - Houston News Story - KPRC Houston

they are suggesting use of microwave oven.

**bumplett** · 07-14-2011, 10:55 PM

it would be great if these ideas could become habits for people too.

**Debbie-cat** · 07-14-2011, 11:34 PM

I can see that time being difficult for most people. Scary when you have to start worrying about if there will be electricity or not.

**savvy_sniper** · 07-15-2011, 08:38 AM

I'm in Houston also. I saw that yesterday. IF everybody would do just one or two small things to save electricity it would make a BIG difference.

Our thermostat is set at 81 all day and 78 at night. I use my toaster oven instead of my big oven. I cook enough so that we can have a second meal a day or so later that only has to be heated in the microwave. I start the dishwasher right before I go to bed and pretty much run it every other day. ALL lights are off and all blinds and drapes are closed all day long. Pretty much everything in the house is on power strips that are turned off when not in use.

My last electricity bill was $20 less than the same period last year and it is MUCH hotter this year. I wonder how much the neighbors on both sides of me pay for their electricity because their A/Cs are running almost non-stop!

**ladykemma2** · 07-15-2011, 10:10 AM

just got my bill $212. it has been a very hot june.

**lll** · 07-15-2011, 10:41 AM

We were just without power for about 30 hours due to a storm. It was only mid 80's outside but it was pretty hot inside with not being able to use fans. I would hate for older people to have to do without power in that heat. I hope everything works out.

**freebs** · 07-15-2011, 10:43 AM

they are asking all of texas to conserve during those times. I already have my ac set at 80, hot water heater turned off, not using the washer or dryer during that time, all lights off, use a toaster oven or electric skillet, dont really think there is much more i can do..lol

LK I got my bill for the month of june and it was $265.

**cab54** · 07-15-2011, 11:58 AM

I hope the elderly can take it. Sounds dangerous.

Why not morning? I could put up with heat for awhile, if I knew it would be cooler (a/c) in the afternoon/evening.

**Greebo** · 07-15-2011, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by cab54

Why not morning?

Because the power grid doesn't work like a battery. Power is provided on demand, and when the maximum demand is exceeded, that's it. You can't use less in the morning and have a higher limit available in the afternoon.

**savvy_sniper** · 07-15-2011, 12:03 PM

My electricity bill for June was $162, last June $182, two years back $300+. My new energy efficient A/C is a MAJOR blessing.

People with older A/Cs are having MAJOR problems! I can't tell you how many people I know that have had their A/C go out and had to replace them in the last month! This heat is bad!

**shoiji** · 07-15-2011, 12:07 PM

Hope everyone stays safe with the power outages.

I think I am going to do some research for alternate power sources to atleast supply enough energy to power a fan. If the power goes out I am up _____ creek since I need the ac for medical reasons.

**savvy_sniper** · 07-15-2011, 12:14 PM

I don't know names/brands, but a friend of mine found some battery operated fans that she said worked great. This was back when many of us were without power from Hurricane Ike a couple of years ago. Check WalMart, Academy, etc.

Originally Posted by shoiji

Hope everyone stays safe with the power outages.

I think I am going to do some research for alternate power sources to atleast supply enough energy to power a fan. If the power goes out I am up _____ creek since I need the ac for medical reasons.

**ladykemma2** · 07-15-2011, 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by cab54

I hope the elderly can take it. Sounds dangerous.

Why not morning? I could put up with heat for awhile, if I knew it would be cooler (a/c) in the afternoon/evening.

houston is sticky humid 80 degrees cool in the morning, then it gets progressively hotter until sunset about 9 pm. 5-7 is unbearable.

you can't save up your electricity for the afternoon. if everybody gets home and turns up the a/c , does laundry and starts cooking at the same time, we will have brownouts.

houston people don't generally turn "off" the ac. too humid.