Texas Power Grid Warns Of Record Demand Amid Back-To-Back Triple-Digit Heatwaves

An early summer heatwave pattern continues to boil parts of the Central and Southern Plains. This means parts of Texas will continue to roast with temperatures forecasted to reach triple digits next week. 

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the state’s power grid operator, is already warning of record energy demand next week as customers crank up the AC.  

Power consultant Doug Lewin, who actively monitors the Texas grid, told FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth that triple-digit temperatures are very concerning because it’s “still not even summer.” 

On Tuesday, ERCOT reported power grid demand jumped to 70,703 megawatts, smashing the May 2018 record demand of 67,271 megawatts due to an early week heatwave. Now the next round of heat has the power grid operator concerned. 

ERCOT issued an operating conditions notice (OCN) for extremely hot weather. The OCN begins on Friday and lasts through next Wednesday. The grid operator ensured customers it had enough power to meet the demand spike. 

The National Weather Service’s Austin/San Antonio office warns that “more triple-digit heat is in store for early next week.”

Some areas west of Highway 83 were able to get some much needed rain Tuesday night, but the hot and dry pattern will resume for the next several days. More triple digit heat is in store for early next week. pic.twitter.com/aA6Ylcrrgx

— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) May 11, 2022

High temperatures across the Dallas/Fort Worth areas are expected to flirt with triple digits on Sunday through next week. 

Back-to-back heatwaves hitting parts of Texas when power plants usually go offline for maintenance is concerning, though the latest from ERCOT is that they have everything under control.