Insufficient Electric Generating Capacity Causes
Rolling Blackouts

(GIDDINGS, TEXAS) At 4:24 p.m. on Monday, April 17, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) issued a media advisory asking all electricity users in the region to reduce their use of electricity to the lowest level possible. ERCOT usually follows a four step plan before shedding load, however due to the emergency situation ERCOT began shedding load at 4:15 throughout the region.

At approximately that time, Bluebonnet's Martindale substation was shut down, affecting 1,500 members in the Martindale, Staples, Reedville, and Maxwell areas. The substation was back online at approximately 5:00 p.m.

The emergency situation was due to the high temperatures and increased electric use. Due to expected high temperatures again tomorrow, ERCOT and Bluebonnet urge members to use the lowest level of electricity possible. Bluebonnet urges our members to conserve energy by:

•  Making sure your thermostat is set at 78 degrees or higher while running your air conditioner.

•  Don't use any electric lighting, appliances or equipment unless absolutely necessary for health or safety.

•  Don't open refrigerators and freezers more than necessary.

Bluebonnet is working closely with LCRA and ERCOT to keep our members informed about these interruptions to electric service.

For further information, visit www.bluebonnetelectric.coop or call 979.542.3151.