Tesla tries to help Texas power grid in the middle of the heatwave with a car warning.

Tesla tries to help Texas power grid in the middle of the heatwave with a car warning.

Tesla

Tesla is trying to help the grid in its new Texas area as rising temperatures create a record demand for electricity in the province. The automaker pushes a new warning on the car to encourage off-peak charging. Texas has a notoriously weak grid with problems that support the increase in high electricity demand. Problems usually come in the winter in cold climates, but the regional electric grid now does not handle these temperatures well in the early summer. The Texas Electric Reliability Council (ERCOT) announced that six power stations were disconnected from the internet yesterday. In a statement released yesterday, ERCOT noted that it was urging the Texans to reduce their electricity use by 3 p.m. and 8pm: With the need for an unfairly hot driving record throughout Texas, ERCOT continues to work closely with the energy industry to ensure the strong Texans need. This afternoon, six power stations went offline which resulted in an estimated 2,900 MW of power loss. At this time, all available production facilities are operational. We urge Texans to save energy when they can by setting their thermostats to 78-degrees or higher and to avoid the use of large electrical appliances such as washers. Interestingly, Tesla took the statement and shared the advice with his team of electric car owners in Texas. In a new notification on the car, the auto maker has advised owners not to charge during peak hours (via Karlan Mitchell on Reddit): Heat is expected to affect the Texas grid in the next few days. The grid user recommends avoiding charging during peak hours between 3pm and 8pm, if possible, to assist worldwide efforts to control demand. Although Tesla is best known in Texas for its Gigafactory in Austin and relocates its headquarters there last year, the company also has significant plans to support the electricity grid in the province. The company has launched a massive energy project made by 81 Megapacks, and plans to install additional living space and solar. Tesla is installing solar panels and powerwalls on new homes in a new residential project in Austin, Texas, and its energy unit, Tesla Energy, is expected to do more in that case since it officially entered Texas' less controlled energy market.