As Texas braces for a scorching heatwave, the state's power grid operator, ERCOT, is forecasting a surge in electricity demand that could set a new record for the month of May. According to a report by FOX 7 Austin, the projected peak demand of over 84 gigawatts around 5 p.m. Wednesday threatens to surpass the previous May high of 77 gigawatts. This increase comes as several areas in Texas are expected to face temperatures well above 100 degrees, with Austin and San Antonio potentially witnessing their hottest May temperatures on record.
Despite the high demand, ERCOT anticipates sufficient supply to keep the grid stable, bolstered by over 20 gigawatts of solar power. The grid operator has not issued a Weather Watch, a notification that signifies reserves might fall below normal due to higher demand, indicating that grid conditions are expected to remain within operating standards. Even with solar energy waning after 9 p.m., the supply is projected to meet the needs, as reported by Chron.com.
Wednesday is anticipated to be the week's hottest day, thanks to a high-pressure system settling over the Houston area, as per Space City Weather. Inland locations are likely to see temperatures climbing to the upper 90s, leaving no room for reprieve in the near term, as rain chances seem practically nonexistent until later in the week. Historically, ERCOT's demand record stands at 85.5 gigawatts – a mark approached as Texas approaches near historic temperatures this early in the year.
The situation is a stark reminder of the state's vulnerability to extreme weather, with memories of Winter Storm Uri in February 2021 still fresh for many. The aftermath of the storm sheds light on the fragility of essential infrastructure, with failures at 22 transmission station facilities contributing to extensive power outages. According to a report by Chron.com, roughly 85 percent of the megawatt-hours lost during that period were due to operational mishaps and outages, marking a somber time in the state's history with approximately 200 deaths associated with the calamity.
