Tesla reiterated a call to Texas drivers to avoid charging during off-peak hours on Monday, amidst record-breaking heatwaves that have impacted the state’s electricity grid, according to electrek.
In May, Tesla sent the same notification requesting that drivers only charge during off-peak hours.
In the notification to drivers, Tesla wrote, “A heat wave is expected to impact the grid in Texas over the next few days. The grid operator recommends to avoid charging during peak hours between 3pm and 8pm, if possible, to help statewide efforts to manage demand.”
Tesla Installing Secret Battery Project for Texas Electrical Grid: Report https://t.co/EeHWKo26Hm
— TeslaNorth.com (@RealTeslaNorth) March 8, 2021
While Tesla has been lobbying to allow Texas solar and Powerwall customers to supply energy back to the grid, Texas state law currently doesn’t allow individual homeowners to be compensated for the energy they provide to the grid — which doesn’t exactly incentivize owners to provide energy back to the grid.
Tesla launched its Virtual Power Plant program in California and elsewhere in the world, which allows Powerwall owners to re-supply the grid with power for compensation toward their electric bills.
Despite not compensating Texas residents for re-supplying power to the grid, Tesla was able to convince 64 Powerwall owners in the state to help join a demonstration to help supply power to the grid.
Texas’ heatwave in May tripped six different power plants in the state, causing severe power shortages.
Tesla periodically uses its in-car notifications to alert owners to charge during off-peak hours. Back in August 2020 during California heat waves, the company also sent a similar message.
