Turning energy saving steps into cash saving Heather Sullivan provides tips on preventing power outages as temperatures are getting hotter. HOUSTON - The heat is on and ERCOT is asking everyone to conserve energy. While it may seem too hot to skimp on air conditioning, here are some ways to feel cool while spending less. Here's the first tip: use curtains with thermal lining. It cuts down the sunlight heating your home and can cut your need for air conditioning by one-third. Sure, the Texas legislature passed bills to reorganize ERCOT and set new rules for the electricity supply chain to prevent power shortages. But those changes won't take effect for a few years.