ERCOT Peak Demand Sets New Record Wednesday
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AUSTIN (CBSDFW.COM) - The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) system set an all-time record Wednesday for hourly demand, with peak demand for electricity reaching 68,459 megawatts (MW)* between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
The previous all-time record, set on Aug. 3, 2011, was 68,305 MW, during an extended period of record high temperatures. One MW is enough to power about 200 homes during periods of peak demand.
"With temperatures expected to continue to rise tomorrow and Friday, we likely will see even higher demand the remainder of the week," ERCOT Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Brad Jones said. "ERCOT will continue to monitor system conditions closely to determine whether voluntary conservation is needed by consumers to maintain overall reliability and protect the grid."
Wind generation contributed about 2,500 MW during Wednesday's peak.
Consumers can monitor ERCOT system conditions here or through the ERCOT Energy Saver mobile app, available free for Apple or Android devices.
*These numbers are preliminary. Final demand records are subject to change, pending final settlement in the ERCOT market.
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