City of Seabrook urges residents to conserve energy

The City of Seabrook is urging residents to conserve energy use as the summer heat begins to take effect.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which operates most of Texas' electrical grid, saw a new record for peak electrical demand during the month of June. ERCOT recorded an average electrical use of 65,047 megawatts between 4-5 p.m. during days in June this year, a moderate increase from the previous record of 63,102 megawatts set June 17, 2011.

"Last year, ERCOT was able to provide reliable electric power through the hottest summer on record," said ERCOT CEO Trip Dogget, according to a press release. "We hope energy users will help again this year by reducing the amount of electricity they use during the hours between 3-7 p.m."

Residents can reduce their electrical use during peak hours by turning their thermostats up by two to three degrees before leaving their homes in the morning and during late afternoon. Additionally, residents are urged to set their pool pumps to run late at night or early in the morning and to avoid using large appliances, such as hot stoves and clothes dryers during peak hours.

For more information, visit www.puc.state.tx.us/agency/conserve.