Energy providers are bracing for the sub-freezing temperatures expected to hit Texas next week.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has issued a weather watch effective from January 15 to 17. The electricity management entity predicts heightened demand for power as freezing weather conditions settle in across the state.
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth (NWS) has predicted “hazardous cold” conditions across much of the state early next week as arctic air pushes through. Prepare for freezing conditions late January 14 and 15 as overnight temperatures are expected to drop by up to 10 degrees, according to meteorologists’ most recent update.
However, this burst of arctic air will be preceded by a cold front pushing through the region on the evening of January 11, potentially bringing some strong or even severe storms. The NWS anticipates chances for hail and damaging winds east of the I-35 corridor.
Although these storms might bring a wintery mix to the areas around the Red River, the potential for snow or ice accumulations across the North Texas region isn’t high until next week, when temperatures fall into the teens.
Ahead of this anticipated chill, Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to prepare for severe weather across the state, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
In terms of energy reserves, ERCOT predicts that they will be low as the demand for electricity is expected to be just over 75,000 megawatts on January 15 and rise to over 79,000 on January 16. However, demand is not expected to exceed operational capacity at this time.
“ERCOT continues to monitor conditions closely and will deploy all available tools to manage the grid, continuing a reliability-first approach to operations,” said the organization in its notice.
Grid conditions can be monitored in real-time here.
In light of the cold snap looming on the horizon, the NWS recommends that North Texans prepare by bringing their pets and plants inside, protecting their outdoor pipes, and checking in on loved ones.
Take Care of Texas, a statewide campaign from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, has identified several other ways that citizens can prepare for the cold weather, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
