(Seguin) – If you are wondering how much time you have until the lights go off again, know that you might just have a little more than you might think, fingers crossed. As of Thursday morning, ERCOT has lifted the mandated rotating outages.
Now, according to officials, this does not mean that “we are not out of the woods.” ERCOT is reportedly at EEA Level 3. That basically means that as we continue with these low and freezing temperatures, rotating outages could begin again.
According to GVEC officials, “it is critical that all those with power continue conservation efforts to avoid taxing the statewide grid and once again causing the need to resume these types of outages.”
Suggestions to help conserve energy include refraining from washing clothes, dishes and other electricity intensive chores that may have been delayed due to outages over these past few days. All this, they say will help maintain the power reserves and keep them as stable as possible.
This latest relief comes days after many of us have been in the dark for various rotations. Many have also unfortunately been operating in the dark for hours and hours at a time.
Meanwhile, water providers are also struggling to meet the demand for services at this time.
A boil water notice has been issued for several water customers throughout Guadalupe County. Now, this does not include those that live in the city of Seguin. City of Seguin customers do not need to boil their water.
But those customers who are impacted include Green Valley Special Utility District, Crystal Clear Special Utility District and Springs Hill Water Supply which services the Hickory Forest area only.
Water officials say boil water restrictions are issued when there is a low pressure to maintain the system. Customers will need to boil their water prior to consumption and when washing hands or face, brushing teeth, etc.
Children and seniors are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria and all customers are asked to bring the water to a rolling boil for two minutes, then let cool.
Some residents have been without water for days. Others have seen their water service diminish down to a trickle. In most cases, the customer demand is greater than the supply in all these areas. City of Seguin water customers largely have service at this time.
One of the areas also not impacted with the boil water notice is the city of Marion. Marion officials say their public works department was able to sustain its pressure in the system by pumping in water.
Should there be any changes in the water system throughout the weekend, residents are asked to visit the KWED and Seguin Daily News Facebook page for further details.