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Living in Texas this year has been a true challenge—the power grid can’t handle the drastic weather changes and millions of people are suffering as a result. There’s a blistering heatwave ravaging Texas right now, reaching over 90 degrees F (32 degrees C). And Texans are urged to conserve power so as not to overload the independent power grid the state uses and to avoid an emergency like earlier this year.

Back in February, a massive and deadly winter storm hit the state and left millions without power because the infrastructure wasn’t upgraded to deal with such events and because Texas has its own electric power grid, managed by ERCOT, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. More than 151 people died because of the cold and the power outages and several power companies went bankrupt.

Now, during the heatwave, Texans are asked to set their thermostats to 78 degrees F (25.6 degrees C) or higher during the day and 82 degrees F (27.8 degrees C) at night to save energy. Which means no relief from the heat. Bored Panda has collected some of the most spot-on reactions to ERCOT’s demands. Check them out below.

With temperatures soaring during the summer, we need to know how to remain healthy, hydrated, and cool. I reached out to Dr. Andrew Carroll, from Arizona, to hear how to survive in extreme heat, no matter where you live. “Living in Arizona, you learn how to live in the heat. We are currently in our own heatwave, with our temperatures hitting 117 degrees F in the afternoon (47 degrees C),” Dr. Carroll told Bored Panda.

“Dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, fatigue, body aches can be the first signs of heat exhaustion. If it’s a hot day and you start seeing these signs, get into air conditioning and start drinking fluids with electrolytes (PediaLyte, Gatorade, etc),” Dr. Carroll warned. “You should not return to outdoor activity anymore that day. Heatstroke is typically extreme fatigue, confusion, abdominal and body aches, and lack of sweating. Heatstroke should be evaluated at an Emergency Room, as it can be life-threatening.”

Image credits: MiiSS_JAZZY_B#1 

HnaXie Report238pointsPOST

Raven Sheridan2 days ago

I second that argument!38ReplyView more comments#2 

JLynn_XoXoX Report173pointsPOST

TrickQuestion2 days ago

700 from the cold. I wonder how many from the heat.19ReplyView More Replies…View more comments#3 

DeathMetalV Report141pointsPOST

TrickQuestion2 days ago

“California is now unable to perform even basic functions of civilization, like having reliable electricity,” he tweeted at the time. “Biden/Harris/AOC want to make CA’s failed energy policy the standard nationwide. Hope you don’t like air conditioning!” Mr Cruz added in the August 2020 tweet.42ReplyView More Replies…View more comments

During heatwaves, how you structure your entire day can shift dramatically. Dr. Carroll explained how the people living in Arizona survive the heat and it’s applicable to everyone.

“We survive it by:

-Going out to exercise as early at 4:30 am in order to get back by 5:30 am;

-Most people who work outside (construction, landscapers, roofers, farmers, etc.) start working around 5 am, and make sure to get back indoors by 2 pm at the latest;

-Get most errands done early in the morning (groceries, gas, etc.);

-Wait until the sun is no longer shining down before returning to outdoor activities;

-Park your vehicle under a tree when you can find one.”

Dr. Carroll advised everyone to drink twice as much water or electrolyte fluid as they think they need during heatwaves. “Wear clothing which covers the skin completely and a wide-brimmed hat. Exposed skin will lead to dehydration more quickly, and increase your risk of skin cancer due to sun exposure. Do not wear confining or constricting clothing as it can impede your ability to sweat, which is crucial in keeping you cool,” he said.#4 

hasanthehun Report135pointsPOST

WilvanderHeijden2 days ago

Nope, it also can’t handle rain or storms. But what do you expect when you’re given the choice between keeping pace with technological development and being able to buy another $1 million property this year.26ReplyView More Replies…View more comments#5 

birdiebar Report135pointsPOST

Dre Mosley2 days ago

78 is my standard setting. I just need to not be hot, that’s it. I don’t need my home to be as cool as my refrigerator.16ReplyView More Replies…View more comments#6 

AviSanjel Report129pointsPOST

Carmen Sandiego2 days ago

Ha!5ReplyView more comments

ERCOT also asked Texans to unplug unused devices and avoid using large electric appliances (e.g. washing machines and pool pumps) until the demand for power drops down. This is the second energy conservation alert in Texas so far in 2021.

Texas’ independent power grid means that the state has far more independence, energy and decision-wise, it also means that when it gets overloaded or an emergency happens, there are fewer options to support your everyday Texans, who suffer as a result.

There’s less federal regulation but the cavalry won’t be rushing to the rescue every time that the state needs help, either, so it’s quite literally risking your people’s welfare for the sake of more freedom.#7 

MyLoveOfCheese Report122pointsPOST

WilvanderHeijden2 days ago(edited)

Ted Cruz only cares for Ted Cruz like Donnie Trump only cares for Donnie Trump. They are both Republicans by the way….47ReplyView More Replies…View more comments#8 

Chonsly_ Report113pointsPOST

WilvanderHeijden2 days ago

Wasn’t he the jerk who fled to a warmer climate with jhs family when Texas was deep frozen and people were dying from hypothermia because the electrical infrastructure collapsed due to deferred maintenance?59ReplyView More Replies…View more comments#9 

24baseballReed Report112pointsPOST

Maul!2 days ago

Please choose better for your own sakes.16ReplyView More Replies…View more comments

Back in May, ERCOT officials promised that the power grid would be able to provide enough electricity to meet the peak demand for energy in the summer. However, now there are fears that the demand is getting too big and that the power reserve margins are too narrow. Hence, the demand to conserve energy.

While in February, over 4 million people lost power as power generators iced over. And while some progress has occurred since then—lawmakers have made changes to ‘weatherize’ power plants to deal with extreme temperatures—experts believe that these reforms aren’t enough to prevent another similar disaster.#10 

johngalt504 Report111pointsPOST

Carmen Sandiego2 days ago

DO IT.22ReplyView More Replies…View more comments#11 

Riersonian Report105pointsPOST

Kanzi2 days ago

The power is in their hands.5ReplyView More Replies…View more comments#12 

trevorw14 Report105pointsPOST

K Witmer2 days ago

Every time he opens his mouth he puts his foot in it and his followers love him more48ReplyView more comments#13 

dinodlz Report104pointsPOST

Watching2 days ago

They disappear when they can’t lie their way out of it. Or deflect. See Texas border wall for example..33ReplyView more comments#14 

LS2longhorn Report104pointsPOST

Kid 22 days ago

Can’t have it both ways, Texas (**from TX**).11ReplyView more comments#15 

shawnavercher Report103pointsPOST

John C2 days ago

i love how “government” is in quotes. spot on, Shawna. spot on.15ReplyView More Replies…View more comments#16 

SVY2point0 Report97pointsPOST

Nubis Knight2 days ago

You need airconditioning to get down to 27,7°C? Damn, I really feel sorry for you know. I was crying when my room had 26°C without airconditioning last night, but your temperatures are way higher! O.o9ReplyView More Replies…View more comments#17 

Angry_Staffer Report88pointsPOST

WilvanderHeijden2 days ago

82° Fahrenheit = 27.7 ° Celsius. That’s not a temperature where you can sleep well in.43ReplyView More Replies…View more comments#18 

GloversRevenge Report88pointsPOST

Jeanette McKell2 days ago

and Cruz will blame his wife and children because they want to see snow in June.13ReplyView More Replies…View more comments#19 

crunchyrugger Report86pointsPOST

Lorelei2 days ago

Remember that one Simpson’s scene? When they sat in a tent attached to the fridge? I’m gonna go do that now. (I live in PA with zero heat tolerance) Texas can join me11Reply#20 

Bobbyisthatyou Report82pointsPOST

WilvanderHeijden2 days ago

Heading to some cooler areas where he can be the jerk he always is without risking a heat stroke.10ReplyView More Replies…View more comments#21 

Matthew_N_Day Report76pointsPOST

Id row1 day ago

You voted for him, you got him. Think before you vote next time. He’s a known scumbag, but he’s republican, so you voted for him. Is party voting really worth it? Vote for the best candidate, not whoever is your party preference.24Reply#22 

kdianem89 Report76pointsPOST

Ross Keim2 days ago

Everything’s bigger in texas, except the power grid25ReplyView More Replies…View more comments#23 

Tom15404403 Report70pointsPOST

Leo Domitrix2 days ago

Turn off the power to your politicians.16ReplyView more comments#24 

KRSWong17 Report65pointsPOST

Jeanette McKell2 days ago

Be sure to drink lots of water 😦14ReplyView more comments#25 

predator9494 Report64pointsPOST

Kanzi1 day ago

“How you like me now?” Texas to everyone who relocated because of the election results6Reply#26 

Report62pointsPOST

WilvanderHeijden2 days ago

Ted Cruz just changed his travelling plans and is heading to the North Pole to spite you.15ReplyView more comments#27 

JTfromT Report61pointsPOST

Kanzi2 days ago

I love King of the Hill6ReplyView More Replies…View more comments#28 

Mihrimah_FS Report61pointsPOST

Charles j maner1 day ago

Pretty sure it’s just “thoughts and prayers” at this point.17ReplyView More Replies…View more comments#29 

JoshArnoldy Report57pointsPOST

Melissa Anderson2 days ago

How can I add One2ReplyView More Replies…View more comments#30 

txstate311 Report57pointsPOST

Note: this post originally had 34 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!147 FollowJonas GrinevičiusWriter, BoredPanda staff

Jonas is a Bored Panda writer who previously worked as a world news journalist elsewhere. After getting his bachelor’s degree in Politics and International Relations at the University of Manchester, he returned home and graduated from Vilnius University with a master’s degree in Comparative Politics. Jonas enjoys writing articles ranging from serious topics like politics and social issues to more lighthearted things like art, pop culture, and nature. In his spare time, Jonas writes books and short stories and likes to draw lighthearted illustrations. A huge fan of literature, films, philosophy, and tabletop games, he also has a special place in his heart for anything related to fantasy or science fiction. Read more »Show All Contributors

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