In modern times, everyone expects electricity 24*7 to run home appliances, factories, hospitals, and other projects. Due to global warming, the temperature is rising day by day, and more people are using HVAC systems every day to keep the interior cool for comfortable living.
This disrupts electricity generation and its distribution in areas like Texas. And, to control it a new word, “rolling blackouts,” comes into the picture. Let’s find out more about this term and how to prepare for rolling blackouts in Texas!
What Is a Rolling Blackout?
They are planned blackouts by the grid operator to balance the electricity supply in specific areas to avoid serious power outages. By turning off power periodically in parts of the city, grid operators can avoid overloading the power grid. But, they make sure that not a single neighborhood is out of power for long hours.
The Reasons for Rolling Blackouts in Texas
Here are two main reasons behind rolling blackouts in Texas:
High power demand:The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) stated that the power demand in the state has increased many times than in previous years. With the limited supply to Texas, fulfilling such high power demand is difficult, and to reduce the load from the grid, the decision of rolling blackouts is implemented in the state.
Hot weather and drought: Due to global warming, temperature is rising globally, and Texas is no exception. The summers are very hot here, and the state has also dealt with a drought-like situation. So, in warm weather the demand for power increases which causes extra load to the grid. Texas has to deal with power outages if there are extended drought conditions.
The state has broken its power demand record 10 times this summer because of population growth and punishing heat. So, this is also one of the reasons behind the rolling blackout in Texas.
Are Rolling Blackouts More Common in Winter or Summer?
Most people often think that rolling blackouts happen in summer, but this is not the case. They can happen anytime when there is a higher power demand than supply.
Snow, storms, heat waves, and cold snaps are some of the reasons that put a load on the power grid. That’s because of the increase in usage of air conditioners and heaters. As the energy usage spikes, the grid operator has to choose the option of rolling blackouts to balance the demand and supply.
That is what is happening in Texas, when hot summer or severe weather causes a spike in energy demand, and regional power plants can’t keep up with the demand. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) turns off power in many parts of the state to avoid overload on the grid.
How Do I Prepare for Rolling Blackouts in Texas?
Texas in the United States has become notorious for rolling blackouts due to high power demand in summer and winter.
No matter in which corner of the state you live, here are some tips for you to prepare for rolling blackouts in Texas.
Focus on a Power Backup
If you live in Texas and face regular rolling blackouts, you may plan to invest in an alternative energy source, such as an inverter, generator, or solar power. This can help you run appliances like AC, heater, fan, lights, refrigerator, etc.
Invest in Solar Energy
As a record-breaking hot summer causes rolling blackouts in Texas, renewable power sources like solar energy can protect you from power outages. It is a reliable and sustainable solution to all your energy needs. Also, it can reduce your utility bill to zero.
On hot, sunny days, home solar panels perform exceptionally well and are best for generating electricity in Texas. The best part is that you can store the excess electricity to use in winter or during cloudy days.
Use Heavy Load Appliances Efficiently
Run heavy-load appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and ovens at night when the electricity demand is lower than during the day. Also, unplug the unused devices to prevent idle appliances from using electricity. Moreover, buying energy-efficient appliances can help reduce energy demand.
Stock Up on Supplies
Keep yourself updated about the rolling blackout schedule in your area and stock up on emergency supplies. Make sure you have a good stock of groceries and prescribed medicines to avoid paying high on the day of the blackout. In addition to food and medicine, make sure you have flashlights, extra batteries, and warm clothes.
Is It Necessary to Have a Backup Power?
Having backup power saves you from unwanted power outages by providing an electricity supply to your appliances at home. There are different types of power backup that you can use for your building.
One of the best and most sustainable options is solar power backup, which uses high-quality batteries to provide power during blackouts without any interruption. Having a power backup prepares you for rolling blackouts and provides you peace of mind of not spending the day without a fan or AC on hot summer days. Here are some options to consider:
BLUETTI EP800+B500 Home Battery Backup
The all-new BLUETTI EP800 + B500 is a beast that can revolutionize your home requirements. It has an output power of 7,600W, which can handle 120V/240V appliances. Also, according to your needs, you can expand its battery capacity from 9900 Wh to 9800Wh.
With premium LiFePO4, App control, and ten years of warranty, it boasts durability and reliability. This system focuses more on the off-grid system, which means you can harness and use the stored energy for a significant time. The great power outage, ability to scale it, and flexibility make it one of the most valuable home additions.
By utilizing AC coupling, the EP800 can operate with your existing solar systems, eliminating the need for additional labor costs. You can also directly connect it to your solar panels via DC coupling.
Also, EP800 kicks in within 20 ms as soon as the power goes out, delivering seamless power to your appliances, such as refrigerators and HVAC systems.
BLUETTI AC500 + B300S | Home Battery Backup
Are you looking for a system to expand the power of your solar system? If yes, then BLUETTI AC500 + B300S is a great option for you. This inverter delivers quality pure sine wave output and takes up to 10kW surge. The best part is that you can charge the AC500 system at any time.
With the wall outlet and solar panels plugged in, the AC500 system supports up to 8,000W - an impressive input rate. Also, its battery can be expanded from 3,072Wh to 18,432Wh.
Get the system recharged before rolling blackout and enjoy the expandable power to run heavy-load appliances in summer and winter.
BLUETTI EP500 Solar Power Station
When you want a powerful power backup for your home, the BLUETTI EP500 is the best choice. It comes with a 5100Wh LiFePO4 battery pack and a 2000W-rated pure sine wave AC inverter. You can use it to run your entire house during blackouts or every day to save utility bills. Its’ 15 outlet sources allow you to power anything from laptops and air conditioners to your electric vehicles.
You can pair it with 1200W MPPT solar input for recharging and to keep the appliances running without any issues. It is one of the best solar power stations for all your utility needs in Texas and other areas. Buy it now!
What Family Activities You Can Do During a Rolling Blackout?
Keeping yourself and the kids occupied during the rolling blackout is very important until the electricity is back. Here are some fun activities you can do to keep yourself and other family members busy in a blackout:
Play board games – Enjoy board games with your kids, husband, neighbors, or parents. You can either play cards or chess or can buy any new board game that everyone loves to play in your family.
Read a book or novel- If you enjoy reading a book and have no time for it, then rolling blackout is the best time to occupy yourself with reading. So, grab your favorite read or kids' storybook and start reading in candlelight to enjoy the time. You can tell stories to your kids from the book as well.
Communicate - Embrace the opportunity for precious family time and communicate with kids, parents, or neighbors. Talk to them about their life, likes, and other stuff. Communicate. You can talk about your memories and crack jokes to laugh together.
Enjoy arts and crafts: Sit with kids or use your artistic skills to make paintings, jewelry, drawings, and other crafts. It is really a fun activity that you can do alone or with others at home.
Entertain kids with shadow images - You can entertain your kids by making shadows of animals on the wall during a rolling blackout. You can use your body and fingers to create different shadows like butterflies, dogs, etc.
Keep Your Family Safe in Every Rolling Blackout
Ensuring the safety of your family during rolling blackouts is paramount. Regular power outages can disrupt everyday life and pose various risks to kids. So, to keep everyone safe and to protect them from the effects of rolling blackouts, invest in power backup to run the fan, lights, AC, and heater. This prepares you for rolling blackouts and ensures your family is safe even in challenging circumstances.
