On Tuesday afternoon, ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) issued a warning stating that Texas could potentially reach an all-time peak electrical demand later in the week. This warning comes as Texas experiences high temperatures, making it the hottest state in the U.S. throughout the week.
The Weather Watch issued by ERCOT will be in effect from June 15 to June 21. Weather Watches are issued when significant weather conditions are forecasted, and while grid conditions are normal, operating reserves may be lower. During this period, ERCOT advises Texans to monitor grid conditions and plan ahead by reducing energy usage during high-demand periods.
ERCOT President and CEO, Pablo Vegas, emphasized that current grid conditions are normal, but increased demand is expected due to higher temperatures. ERCOT will closely monitor the situation and utilize all available tools to manage the grid, prioritizing grid reliability.
ERCOT assured customers that there is currently enough capacity to meet the forecasted demand. Real-time information on electricity supply and demand can be accessed on ERCOT’s website through their six-day dashboard, which indicates the potential for a new all-time peak demand record later in the week. The dashboard will be updated as the week progresses.
The Weather Watch was issued through the Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS), and individuals can sign up for alerts via ERCOT’s website. In the previous year, ERCOT reportedly set 11 new peak demand records, with the current all-time high demand record set on July 20, 2022.