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THREAD: I was just on the @ERCOT_ISO informational call and then in discussion with the Mayor. This is what I have gathered:
2/ I would not call these “rolling blackouts.” These outages are not "rolling" from one part of the city to another, because basically *all* of the circuits that @austinenergy thinks they can turn off at this time are currently turned off.
3/ That is, there are not ‘groups’ that are being turned off and on. AE has turned everything off they think they can right now, because of the statewide requirements.
4/ Some places still have power because the circuits are a) shared circuits that contain critical infrastructure like a hospital or 911 call center, or b) the circuit can't feasibly be all turned off without risk to the system of not turning back on.
5/ This means that these power outages, which are being required by the statewide grid operator @ERCOT_ISO, could go on for a good while longer. How long? No answers from authorities yet, but it could potentially even go overnight.
6/ There are power plants that have shut down all over the state, & the sooner they get back online and that we conserve enough energy, then hopefully they can turn it back on. We hope things get better soon, but we must individually and collectively plan for longer-term outages
7/ We need a massive emergency response in case this persists longer. An early afternoon press event is being planned. The city and county must step up to take care of everyone in this disaster event.
