Texas grid operator urges conservation as state continues to swelter.
Texas Grid Operator Urges Energy Conservation as Heatwave Continues
The Texas grid operator is once again calling on residents to conserve energy as the state faces scorching temperatures and the potential for blackouts. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), responsible for overseeing the power grid for 90% of Texans, issued a conservation notice on Friday. They are asking consumers and businesses to reduce their power usage, including adjusting thermostats and limiting the use of large appliances, between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. this weekend.
ERCOT assured the public that they expect to have enough supply to meet the projected demand, but emphasized that conservation measures are crucial to ensure continued reliability. Peak demand on Friday is estimated to reach nearly 86,000 megawatts, with concerns arising after 7 p.m. when solar generation decreases.
“Similar to yesterday, today’s conservation appeal does not indicate ERCOT is experiencing emergency conditions at this time,” ERCOT stated. “Current forecasts are showing a potential to enter emergency operations this evening because of expected low wind-power generation and high demand.”
This conservation request comes as Texas battles scorching temperatures, worsened by a heatwave affecting the southern and central regions of the United States. The state is under an extreme heat warning, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit for weeks on end.
In Austin, the capital city known for its blistering-hot summers, a record-breaking streak of 45 consecutive days with temperatures at or above 100 F was finally interrupted by heavy rainfall on Monday.
ERCOT has faced significant challenges this summer, surpassing demand forecasts ten times. These concerns echo the reliability issues experienced during the devastating winter storm Uri in 2021, which resulted in the loss of power for millions and tragically claimed the lives of 246 Texans.
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