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February 19, 2021 / bpub / Comments Off on BPUB to Provide Outage Updates on Radio

BPUB to Provide Outage Updates on Radio

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BROWNSVILLE, Texas – With potentially freezing temperatures on the way and the threat of rotating outages, the Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB) will be providing ongoing outage updates on radio station KXIQ 105.1 as the cold weather comes into this area.

BPUB employees will begin their shifts starting at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 and will continue as long as necessary. This service is to provide people who may not have electrical service a way to receive information about outages as it comes in from BPUB’s Energy Control Center.

Listeners can expect to hear:

  • Reports on new outages,
  • Announcements by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT)
  • Bulletins about areas impacted by rotating outages (if necessary)

Although rotating outages are currently suspended, ERCOT may employ them again if electrical demand again starts to exceed available power generation. Because of this, BPUB asks customers to continue to conserve electricity

  • Turn down thermostats to 68-degrees.
  • Close shades and blinds to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.
  • Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances.
  • Avoid using large appliances (i.e., ovens, washing machines, etc.).
  • Wear warm, comfortable clothing

BPUB also advises customers to continue reporting any outages in their area. The easiest way is to go to https://assist.brownsville-pub.com. It’s the quickest way to ensure a service order is in place for your address. We understand that there are customers still without electricity and are working around the clock to get everyone back in service. We ask customers to please remain patient during this time.

Attempts to restore electrical service to certain areas have been unsuccessful because of the sudden demand for a large amount of electricity once the area is re-energized. By unplugging or turning off equipment while experiencing an outage, this helps prevent that sudden surge of electrical demand and should allow additional customers to regain service.

BPUB recommends that customers without power unplug devices and ensure their thermostat is turned off. Once service is restored, BPUB asks that customers slowly plug back in equipment and turn things on but to still try to limit use to essential activities.

BPUB will keep providing information throughout the emergency. In addition to KXIQ 105.1, updates will also be available on the BPUB website at www.brownsville-pub.com, Facebook at facebook.com/brownsvillepub and Twitter at twitter.com/BPUB_Tweets. For more information about electrical grid conditions in the state, customers can visit www.ERCOT.com or download the ERCOT mobile app.

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation.