Still wary of the electric grid’s reliability, some Texans complied with ERCOT’s requests to conserve power this week

In the sweltering heat, Everett Grey on Wednesday wearily turned up their thermostat to help lessen the stress on the state’s electricity system.

Grey set the temperature to 80 degrees at their aunt’s Denton home, where they have been petsitting for their family’s 60-pound poodle. They also unplugged most household appliances and closed the blinds.

“I’ve got this horrible mindset that I can fix the grid. So I just took a shower in the dark,” Grey said.