When ERCOT, the Texas grid operator, asks homes in Southlake, Keller, and the rest of North Texas to use less power, it uses a set of notices called TXANS. This post explains each level in plain terms. It also covers what an electrician can help with and what only the grid can fix.
What is a TXANS notice?
TXANS is the Texas Advisory and Notification System. ERCOT describes it as its early notification ahead of periods of higher demand. The ERCOT site lists the levels in order. Your local utility, such as Oncor, delivers power to your meter. ERCOT manages the statewide grid.
| Level | What ERCOT says | What it asks of you |
|---|---|---|
| Weather Watch | Early notice, about 3 to 5 days ahead, of forecast significant weather and high demand | Watch grid updates and plan |
| Voluntary Conservation Notice | Higher demand with lower supply | Conserve during the stated period, if safe to do so |
| Conservation Appeal | Higher demand with potential for emergency operations | Conserve during the appeal period, if safe to do so |
| Energy Emergency Alert, Level 3 | Extremely low energy reserves. Controlled outages possible | Keep watching grid updates |
ERCOT adds that TXANS notices do not replace Energy Emergency Alerts, which are a separate sign-up.
Do I have to conserve power?
No. Every request on the ERCOT page says “if safe to do so.” Use the tips as a guide and put health first. ERCOT’s list includes setting a pool pump to run early morning or overnight and shutting it off during peak hours, and turning off and unplugging lights and appliances you do not need.
What can an electrician do during a conservation notice?
An electrician cannot raise supply or lower demand on the grid. What an electrician can do is check your own system before a hot week arrives. A conservation notice is a good time to look at how your home handles heavy use.
Things worth a licensed check:
- A circuit breaker that trips often when the AC runs along with other large loads. That is tripping, and it can point to an overload.
- Panel labels you cannot read or breakers that feel warm.
- A buzzing sound at the panel or a hot outlet.
- A panel that is full, with no room for a new circuit.
We do not give a number for any of this, because it depends on your home. A load calculation shows whether a panel and service match your loads. Only a licensed electrician can run one.
How can I get ready before a notice arrives?
Sign up first. ERCOT says to sign up for TXANS email notices, follow ERCOT on social media, or use the ERCOT mobile app. Because a Weather Watch comes about 3 to 5 days ahead, you get time to act. Make a plan for family members who need power for medical equipment. Know where your breaker panel is and keep the area clear. If anything about the panel worries you, schedule a licensed check before the next heat wave, not during it.
What should I not do during a hot-weather peak?
Do not reset a tripping breaker over and over. Do not use an extension cord or power strip to power a window AC unit or a space heater. Do not open the panel yourself. Our breaker keeps tripping post explains what a trip may mean. For signs that need quick attention, read our electrical warning signs guide.
What if the grid goes down anyway?
If the utility shuts off power, report your outage to the utility, not ERCOT. Our post on what to do in a power outage lists numbers for Oncor and Tri-County. The utility that serves your address delivers your power. ERCOT manages the statewide grid.
If you are thinking about backup power, a portable generator needs careful use, and a transfer switch needs a licensed install. For backup power questions, ask us, and we will tell you what we can do for your home. Daniel Electric is a family owned and operated company in Southlake with Texas license TECL #21005.
Next step
If breakers trip when the AC runs or you want a panel check, see our panel repair and replacement page. Call (817) 481-8606 or send a request through the quote form.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Weather Watch and a Conservation Appeal?
A Weather Watch is an early notice, about 3 to 5 days ahead, of forecast significant weather and high demand. A Conservation Appeal is an elevated request to cut energy use during a set period, because ERCOT sees a potential to enter emergency operations due to lower reserves.
Do I have to cut my power use during a conservation notice?
No. ERCOT asks Texans to conserve voluntarily, and only if it is safe to do so. People who rely on medical equipment or who face heat or cold risk should not take steps that put health at risk. Use ERCOT's tips for what is safe.
Can an electrician stop my power from going out in an ERCOT emergency?
No. An electrician cannot change grid supply or demand. ERCOT lists controlled outages as possible at Energy Emergency Alert Level 3. An electrician can check your wiring and panel so your home handles its own load safely.
How do I get ERCOT notices on my phone?
ERCOT says to sign up for TXANS email notifications, follow ERCOT on social media, or download the ERCOT mobile app. It notes TXANS notices do not replace Energy Emergency Alert notices, which have a separate sign-up.
Terms on this page
Sources
- ERCOT: TXANS (Weather Watch)
- ERCOT: TXANS (Voluntary Conservation Notice)
- ERCOT: TXANS (Conservation Appeal)
- ERCOT: TXANS (Energy Emergency Alert)
- ERCOT: TXANS (alerts)
- ERCOT: TXANS (pool pumps)
Written by Daniel Electric and checked against the sources above on October 8, 2026. City rules and product guidance change, so check the linked page before you act.
