WEATHER NEWS

ERCOT asks Texans to conserve electricity on June 20 due to extreme heat

The voluntary conservation notice is scheduled from 4 to 8 pm on June 20.

ERCOT is asking Texans to conserve electricity from 4 to 8 pm Tuesday, June 20. The voluntary conservation notice comes ahead of predicted extreme heat and demand for energy that could break a record for the state, they say.

ERCOT is not in emergency operations, and controlled outages are not needed, they say.

Voluntary conservation notices are issued when ERCOT - The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the flow of electric power across Texas - deems it necessary while monitoring forecasted weather conditions across the state. High temperatures lead to higher energy use to keep homes and buildings cool.

Heat index values could hit as high as 120 degrees across North Texas on June 20, according to WFAA.

ERCOT lists several suggestions for Texans to reduce their power use:

Raise thermostats by "a degree or two" in the summer
Avoid using large appliances
Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances
Shut off pool pumps during peak hours, and set them to run during the early morning or at night

ERCOT suggests commercial businesses turn off any lights and equipment that are not in use and to turn off their air conditioning and heating units outside of business hours.

ERCOT also requests all government agencies (including city and county offices) implement any and all programs to reduce energy use at their facilities.

More information about the voluntary conservation notice and energy-saving tips can be found at ercot.com. Texans can stay informed about power grid conditions and notices by signing up for ERCOT's email list.

ERCOT Energy Use High Temperatures Record-Setting Demand Voluntary Conservation weather

DPD News

Dallas signs off on lease on UNT campus for police training academy

DPD

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The Dallas City Council approved a lease with the University of North Texas Dallas campus for a proposed Dallas Police Training Academy. The lease paves the way for the development of a new Law Enforcement Training Center and Criminal Justice Center on a 20-acre site at UNT-Dallas, part of the City’s efforts to modernize police training and deepen academic partnerships.

The new facility, which was first proposed in 2021, will house the Dallas Police Department’s Basic and In-Service Training Academy, along with a Criminal Justice Center, creating a centralized, state-of-the-art campus for officer development.

Training spaces will include modern classrooms, indoor simulation labs, and areas for defensive tactics instruction.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to preparing officers through modern, state of the art, community-connected training,” said Dominique Artis, Dallas Chief of Public Safety. “The combination of a police academy and Criminal Justice Center at a university campus enhances recruitment, education, and public trust.”

Benefits of the Law Enforcement Training Center and Criminal Justice Center include

Academic Partnership: Collaboration with UNT-Dallas opens doors for research, continuing education, and career pathways for both officers and students alike - creating a pipeline to future cadets and expanding opportunities for local talent
.Modern Training Facilities: The campus will feature simulation environments, flexible classroom space, and the latest instructional technology.
Strategic Location: As the first police training academy in southern Dallas, the project brings long-term public investment to the area.
Dual-Campus Model: This site complements a planned Public Safety Complex elsewhere in Dallas that will serve as a field training location for both DPD and Dallas Fire-Rescue.

According to KERA, the training academy is estimated to cost $185 million, plus $90 million for the public safety complex, for a total of $275 million. There is currently $96.5 million committed including $50 million from the 2024 Bond Program passed by the voters in May 2024, along with state grants, money from the Caruth Fund at Communities Foundation of Texas, and private fundraising commitments. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.

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