Statement: Downtown Austin Network

February 16, 2021

During this energy emergency, many people have noticed that buildings in the downtown area have remained with power. Here’s why: 

The downtown network is excluded for now from load shedding (power outages) during controlled outages mandated by ERCOT. This is a complicated, inter-connected network which includes critical buildings like the Dell Seton Medical Center, warming centers, the COVID-19 Alternate Care Site, Capitol Complex and Austin City Hall, as well as other critical infrastructure and government buildings. Shutting down the downtown network would also cut off electricity to these critical buildings, which may also house vital communications equipment.

Austin Energy is working with the Building Owners & Managers Association and the Downtown Austin Alliance in asking their members to curtail non-essential power use. 

Austin Energy is looking at additional conservation options downtown. 

If you’re fortunate enough to have power, we’re making an urgent plea to customers to please keep your power usage to a minimum.