ERCOT Adds Text Alerts to Grid Notification System
The Texas grid operator now offers opt-in text message notifications alongside email for its TXANS grid condition alerts.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Forecasts
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ERCOT has enhanced its Texas Advisory and Notification System, TXANS, to provide a streamlined way to communicate grid notifications to the public. For the first time, subscribers can opt in to receive text messages in addition to email.
Why it matters
TXANS is used to communicate about forecasted weather events, periods of higher electricity demand, and emergency actions ERCOT may take to maintain systemwide grid reliability. Faster, multi-channel alerts give Texans more direct access to grid conditions that can affect daily life.
TXANS alert levels are defined by operating reserve megawatt thresholds and grid frequency readings, with Level 1 triggered at 2,500 megawatts of reserves and Level 3 at 1,500 megawatts or a frequency drop to 59.8 hertz. The source does not report how frequently these thresholds have been crossed or how the text option will function during an actual emergency.
The players
ERCOT
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas is the independent system operator that manages the electricity grid serving most of the state.
The details
Subscribers can enroll at ercot.com/txans and choose a preferred notification method. TXANS covers Weather Watch, Voluntary Conservation Notice, Conservation Appeal, and three Energy Emergency Alert levels, with emails and texts sent in English and Spanish.
Timeline
November 10, 2026: ERCOT announced the enhanced TXANS system and new text message option.
Seasonal Patterns
The expansion of TXANS builds on ERCOT's existing Energy Emergency Alert framework, which defines escalating reserve and frequency thresholds for public notice. The new text option changes how those established alert levels reach residents rather than the levels themselves.
Texans who want grid alerts by text can visit ercot.com/txans, select text message as their notification method, and sign in with a registered email to update preferences later. Being enrolled gives residents advance notice of Weather Watch and conservation requests that may affect electricity use.
The takeaway
Signing up for TXANS text alerts gives Texans an earlier, more direct warning when the grid is strained. Enrollment takes only a few steps at ercot.com/txans.
Further reading
For related grid and weather outlooks, see Forecasts coverage for Texas.
More information
Enroll in grid alerts through the ERCOT TXANS grid alert enrollment page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WOAI.
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