Summary:
- ERCOT issues voluntary conservation alert due to intense heat and high energy demand.
- Experts acknowledge strain on the grid caused by a summer of extreme temperatures.
- Peak demand approaches all-time record, but power grid remains stable.
- Energy experts anticipate slightly better supply for tomorrow.
- Continued monitoring of the power grid's stability recommended.
The Texas power grid operator, ERCOT, has issued a voluntary conservation alert, urging residents and businesses to reduce energy usage as the state experiences intense heat and near-record demand on the power grid.
On one of the hottest days of the year, ERCOT sent out an alert requesting energy conservation between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Although the grid held up during the recent demand surge, experts acknowledge the strain caused by a summer full of triple-digit temperatures. The agency's website indicated peak demand just below 85,000 megawatts, approaching the all-time peak demand record. Despite the close margin between supply and demand, the power grid has managed to remain stable so far.
While the energy experts foresee slightly more supply tomorrow, they emphasize the importance of monitoring the power grid during the early evening hours. Despite the challenges posed by the scorching temperatures, the grid's current stability and ERCOT's preparedness measures provide some reassurance.