Weather News

Rolling power outages are in effect across Texas including Fort Worth

North Dallas, February 15, 2021.

Photo by Steve Meloncon

Electricity providers across Texas have begun rolling power outages across the state, due to high demand in response to the winter storm.

An announcement posted on Oncor's website says that the outages could last 15-45 minutes. They subsequently tweeted that the outages could last up to hours.

Due to record-breaking electric demand and reduced power generation as a result of the extreme winter weather, rotating outages are now in effect. Rotating outages are controlled, temporary interruptions of electrical service that rotate through different parts of the electric grid. These outages typically last 15-45 minutes in each area but may vary. Conservation remains critical and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) continues to urge all Texans to limit and reduce their electric use as much as possible.

According to WFAA, the rotating outages began at 1:25 am on Monday, February 15, and could be in place "until the weather emergency ends."

There are already more than 1.14 million Oncor customers without power as of Monday at 9 am.

The outages are in place due to an order from The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the agency in charge of Texas' electric grid, which has issued a level 3 emergency, because supplies can't keep up with demand. According to ERCOT's website, "reserves have dropped below 1,000 MW and are not expected to recover within 30 minutes; as a result, ERCOT has ordered transmission companies to reduce demand on the system."

This is typically done through rotating outages, used as a last resort to preserve the reliability of the electric system as a whole.

Power companies recommend reducing energy usage from 5-9 am and 6-10 pm, the hours when temperatures are coldest (in the morning) and electricity demand is highest (at night).

Other suggestions include:

Turn down your thermostat to 68 degrees
Keep lights off when not in a room
Unplug appliances not in use
Avoid using large appliances like washing machines, especially during peak times
Close off heat escape routes like drafty doors or fireplace dampers
Set your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise to force warm air downwards
Close blinds and shades at night to keep out cold air. Open during the day to allow sunshine in.

Officials said that demand could become even greater with record low temperatures on Tuesday.

To ensure the safety of passengers and employees during the severe weather situation, Trinity Railway Express (TRE) service will be suspended beginning at 10 pm on Monday, February 15, through the start of service on Thursday, February 18.

weather

Fire News

New Fort Worth restaurant HG Sply Co. catches fire days after it opens

Photo courtesy of HG Sply Co.

undefined

A fire broke out at a restaurant that just opened in Fort Worth: The north Fort Worth location of HG Sply Co. caught on fire on November 15 — mere days after the restaurant opened in Alliance Town Center at 3351 Texas Sage Trail.

Restaurant management stated that they noticed the smell of smoke and smoke from vents as they were evacuating the restaurant. The Fort Worth Fire Department responded to the fire at the restaurant-bar at 12:55 pm.

"FWFD is working a multiple alarm commercial structure fire in the 3300 block of Texas Sage Trail," the department said. "This is an active fire as of 12:55PM and details are limited. If at all possible, please avoid this area as there are several fire apparatus and personnel on scene."

It was a two-alarm fire that caused damage to the chimney and injured one firefighter, who was treated for injuries at the scene and transported to a local clinic for evaluation. The fire has since been contained.

According to a Fort Worth Fire Department public information officer, there was an accidental fire in the chimney, which spread to the attic. Fox 4 had overhead footage showing two firetrucks on the scene, as well as a shot of the chimney, blackened by soot.

Management reported to the fire department that 40-50 employees and 35 customers were able to safely exit the building without injuries. A re-opening date has not been announced, but an employee said it would probably not be long.

"Yes, some water and smoke damage — fire damage, thankfully was from the fireplace structure," the employee said. "As our team get things cleaned up. We will be working hard to reopen asap."

HG Supply Co. was founded in Dallas in 2013, and has two other locations, in west Fort Worth and Trophy Club. Coincidentally, this new location just made CultureMap's monthly list of "Where to eat in Fort Worth right now."