Texas power grid braces for record electric use

HOUSTON (Reuters) – Temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and higher forecast for Monday afternoon across Texas may push electric use in the state to an all-time record, according to the grid operator.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) said power demand might reach 65,911 megawatts as temperatures peak between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. CDT (2200-2300 GMT), surpassing the August 17, 2006 peak of 62,339 MW.

In its annual summer forecast released in May, ERCOT estimated the 2007 peak would be 63,794 MW, up 2.3 percent from the 2006 record.

So far this summer, ERCOT demand has not hit 60,000 MW due to a rainy June and July. Friday’s peak demand was 59,067 MW as isolated showers trimmed afternoon demand around Houston.

Reuters