ERCOT Reports Record Peak Electricity Demand
Hot, sultry weather that has most of Texas in its grip has generated the third peak demand record in as many weeks on the state's biggest electrical grid.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas operates that grid, which covers most of the state. An ERCOT statement said peak demand reached a new record of 64,805 megawatts between 3 and 4 p.m. Monday.
That broke the record of 63,830 megawatts set between 4 and 5 p.m. last Tuesday, which beat the 63,594-megawatt record set Aug. 4.
One megawatt is about enough electricity to power about 200 homes during hot weather running air conditioners.
ERCOT says it has enough generating capacity to cover expected summer peak demand and still have a 21 percent reserve to cover unexpected major outages.
Air Pollution Watch, Level Orange
Heat Advisory Through 8pm
18th consecutive triple-digit day
THIS AFTERNOON
Partly cloudy and hot
Slight storm chance – best west of the Metroplex
High 101° (heat index to 109°)
Wind: ESE 5-10 mph
TONIGHT
Partly cloudy
Morning Low: 79°
TOMORROW
Sunny & hot
An isolated storm is possible, mainly south of I20
High 102° (heat index to 107°)
THURSDAY
Hot & sunny
High 102° (heat index to 106°)
FRIDAY
Mostly sunny
High 101° (heat index to 105°)
SATURDAY
Mostly sunny and hot
High 100° (heat index to 105°)
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