Dallas

Texas Energy Grid Operator ERCOT Urges Conservation on Hot Days

The grid operator for Texas said electric demand set a new July record Thursday, as the high temperature reached 104 degrees.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas said peak demand set a July record Thursday in the hour between 4 and 5 p.m. at 67,624 megawatts, topping Wednesday's demand of 67,590 megawatts.

One megawatt is enough electricity to power about 200 homes during the highest demand conditions and about 500 homes during a mild spring day.

ERCOT urged conservation during peak electric demand hours of the hot summer, 3-7 p.m.

NBC 5 Chief Meteorologist David Finfrock said the official high temperature at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport reached 104 degrees, making Thursday the warmest day of the year so far in North Texas.

ERCOT officials in Austin say usage Wednesday surpassed 67,000 megawatts for the first time since 2011.

Systems operations director Dan Woodfin reported some power plants have had unplanned outages, including less wind generation available.

ERCOT in March said electric users should have sufficient supply for summer, estimating peak demand at 69,000 megawatts. ERCOT predicted nearly 77,000 megawatts of available generation resources.

A cold front is expected to bring a slight chance for rain Friday and a high of 98.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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