Savings After Sunset: Energy Conservation Doesn't Stop When the Sun Goes Down
August 7, 2024
Conservation is our superpower for staying cool and saving both money and energy as we enter the hottest summer months. You can continue to save through sunset in a time ERCOT – the statewide grid operator – calls the solar ramp down.
Solar power generates thousands of megawatts of electricity for the ERCOT grid without producing harmful emissions. But, when August and September roll around, the days get shorter even though it’s still hot well into the evenings. When the sun goes down, solar power generation decreases faster than the demand for energy to cool homes and businesses. This natural decrease in solar power is known as solar ramp down. As solar generation ramps down in the evenings, ERCOT must bring on other resources to maintain a stable energy supply.
How you can help:
Lessen the strain on our energy grid by reducing non-essential electricity use during the early evening hours from 7-9 p.m. Here are some simple ways to conserve energy when you get home from work or school as the sun begins to set.
- Adjust Your Routine: Hold off on big energy tasks such as laundry, dishwashing or charging your car until later in the evening.
- Use Energy Wisely: Turn off lights you don’t need, raise your thermostat a couple of degrees when possible and opt for fans to keep cool.
Your small steps are a big deal when it comes to saving electricity during solar ramp down periods. They save you money and mean a more reliable and sustainable grid for all of us.
Thank you for doing your part!