Jones on ERCOT readiness: 'The lights are going to stay on this summer'

The head of the entity that manages Texas' power grid assured Texans that the independent system operator is ready for the summer, per a report from Houston CBS affiliate KHOU.

KHOU reported that Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) interim CEO Brad Jones said that the weekend of May 14 proved that the grid is prepared to handle demand as scorching temperatures become the norm during the next few months.

When six power generation facilities went offline last week, ERCOT issued an advisory urging customers to set their thermostats at 78 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent a strain on the grid.

According to KHOU, approximately 20,000 megawatts of capacity – the equivalent of four million residences – was rendered unavailable.

Jones explained that ERCOT calling for conservation when an emergency situation is in progress is a thing of the past, per the station.

“Reforms are working," he said. "The lights are going to stay on this summer and thank you for playing your part in ensuring grid reliability. We’re all part of this together."

Public Utility Commission of Texas Chairman Peter Lake alluded to the actions taken by the state legislature after last year's unprecedented winter weather event.

“The outcome of the events on Friday (May 13) is a testament and endorsement of the reforms that have been enacted as a result of [Senate Bill 3],” Lake said, KHOU reported.

A report from Houston ABC affiliate KTRK, per the Houston Daily, revealed uneasiness among Houstonians toward the grid as summer approaches.

The unpleasant memories of the grid's failure during last year's unprecedented winter storm is still fresh on the minds of the millions who endured it, including those in the Houston area.

Among those worried is area resident Charles Sapp.

"I think that's a huge problem, and I'm concerned," Sapp said, according to KTRK.