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ERCOT: July Ends With Record Electricity Demand

AUSTIN (CBSDFW.COM)- The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) announced Tuesday that the demand on its power grid peaked at 65,790 megawatts (MW) setting a new July record.

According to ERCOT, Tuesday's record electricity use surpasses the previous July record of 65,432 megawatts set on July 27, 2011.  The Council also noted its electricity generation was sufficient for Tuesday's power use, but urges consumers to conserve during the peak demand hours of 3 to 7 p.m.

A few key steps consumers can take to reduce demand on the grid during these hours include:

  • Turn the thermostat up by two or three degrees in the late afternoon.
  • Set pool pumps to run late at night or early in the morning.
  • Postpone chores that require the use of large appliances until later in the evening.

More electricity conservation tips are available on the Public Utility Commission of Texas website.

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