Upcoming elevated temperatures have everyone keeping a close eye on the integrity of the Texas power grid.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has initiated the first “weather watch” for the summer due to elevated temperatures that have been forecast across the state.
According to ERCOT’s website, a weather watch is “an earlier (approximately 3-5 days ahead) notification of forecasted significant weather and high demand.”
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth predicted that triple-digit temperatures would arrive in the region as early as June 16. Elevated moisture due to storms that have passed through the area is expected to significantly increase the heat indices for the weekend and the following week, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
ERCOT has identified June 15 through June 21 as days that might see heightened electricity demands. The organization had previously predicted record demands to persist throughout this summer.
As of June 14, ERCOT reports that grid conditions are normal and that there is currently enough power to meet demands across the state. However, electricity demand is forecasted to spike from nearly 79,000 megawatts between June 15 and 16 to over 81,000 megawatts between June 20 and 21.
Despite expectations for elevated demand, the organization maintains its forecast for seasonable capacity, which surpasses 90,000 megawatts at expected peak usage. ERCOT previously said in its seasonal assessment for the summer of 2023 that over 97,000 megawatts would be available to accommodate the anticipated base “peak load” of 82,739 megawatts.
The organization nonetheless expects to be able to meet demands for electricity so long as “typical summer conditions” persist. However, inclement weather has resulted in failures to provide sufficient electricity in the past.
On February 15, 2021, one day after Winter Storm Uri arrived, ERCOT’s demand forecast was over 74,000 megawatts. Unfortunately, net generation did not exceed 50,000, according to Statista. Failure to meet demand ultimately left thousands of Texans without power during the storm.
Weather officials advise that citizens remain weather aware and prepare accordingly in the wake of increased temperatures later this week.