In a preemptive move, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has sounded the alarm, issuing a Weather Watch in anticipation of an Arctic blast set to grip the Lone Star State from Jan. 14-17.

Two successive cold fronts are on the horizon, with the initial one expected to arrive on Friday and a more formidable Arctic blast making its presence felt on Sunday. The latter is poised to usher in a sustained period of sub-freezing temperatures, prompting ERCOT to forewarn Texans about potential challenges to the state’s power grid.

ERCOT’s Weather Watch serves as an early advisory, providing citizens with a 3-5 day heads-up about the forecasted weather event. This alert signals a potential surge in electricity demand and urges the public to stay vigilant amid changing conditions.

Introduced last year, the Texas Advisory and Notification System (TEXANS) includes alerts like the ERCOT Weather Watch and a Voluntary Conservation Notice. As of now, there’s no Conservation Notice in effect, and ERCOT assures the public that no immediate action is needed.

The agency, tasked with managing Texas’ power grid, emphasizes the significance of preparedness. With the January 2023 peak demand reaching 65,632 MW and an all-time high of 85,508 MW recorded in August 2023, Texans are urged to stay informed about weather updates. As the Arctic front approaches, bringing rain and a substantial temperature drop by early next week, residents are advised to take necessary precautions to mitigate potential challenges posed by the impending cold front.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing weather situation.