Ted Cruz Memes, Jokes Surge After Texas ERCOT Conservation Alert

On Monday, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) issued a Conservation Alert and asked Texans to reduce their electricity use, prompting jokes and memes about Republican Senator Ted Cruz fleeing the state.

In February, Texas experienced power outages during a winter storm, leaving millions of Texans without power or heat in freezing temperatures. Millions were also without clean water as more than 300 water plants were without power and unable to treat the water supply.

Amid the crisis in Texas, Cruz flew to Cancun, Mexico, sparking a backlash. In a statement released the day after the controversy began, Cruz said: "With school canceled for the rest of the week, our girls asked to take a trip with friends. Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon."

He later told ABC13: "In hindsight, if I had understood how it would be perceived, the reaction people would have, obviously I wouldn't have done it."

Cruz said that he had had "second thoughts as soon as we left" and understood why people were "upset."

Now, Texas is facing a fresh crisis as ERCOT is urging residents to reduce electric use as much as possible today through Friday, June 18.

According to a press release, "a significant number of forced generation outages combined with potential record electric use for the month of June has resulted in tight grid conditions."

ERCOT Vice President of Grid Planning and Operations Woody Rickerson said: "We will be conducting a thorough analysis with generation owners to determine why so many units are out of service. This is unusual for this early in the summer season."

Meanwhile, the power outages have sparked jokes and memes from social media users wondering how Cruz will react to the crisis, with many joking that the senator will flee the state.

Twitter user @Bobbyisthatyou said: "Ted Cruz after hearing the ERCOT news," and shared an edited photo that appears to show Cruz holding suitcases.

Twitter user @DeathMetalIV said: "Breaking News! Ted Cruz seen flying to Alaska amid power outages in Texas due to heat. Blames his wife and kids wanting to see snow in June!"

Richard Hine said: "ERCOT has issued a new warning to Cancun that Ted Cruz might be back sooner than expected."

Twitter user @ThomasCorrea said: "ERCOT: Texans need to conserve energy until Friday to prevent grid failure," and shared a photo of Ted Cruz at the airport.

Twitter user @keshvipatell said: "Ted Cruz after seeing the ERCOT conservation alert," and shared a GIF of Stanley Hudson from The Office quickly leaving his desk.