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ERCOT Calls for Energy Conservation as Texas Faces Record Power Demand

Despite the bitter cold driving demand to new highs, state officials express confidence in the grid's ability to withstand the winter weather.

Overview

  • ERCOT, the Texas power grid operator, has called on Texans to conserve energy for the second straight day due to high power use driven by bitter cold across the state.
  • ERCOT set a January peak demand record of 70,892 megawatts on Sunday night, which was broken on Monday morning with Texans using 75,559 megawatts, setting both a January and a winter peak demand record.
  • ERCOT has issued conservation appeals for Monday and Tuesday mornings, asking residents to limit electricity use as demand generally peaks in the morning.
  • ERCOT concluded that a severe cold snap comparable to the one in December 2022 would create a 20.6% chance for a grid emergency during the 8 a.m. hour, when demand is high and solar power isn’t fully online.
  • Despite the high demand, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and other state officials have expressed confidence that the power grid will be able to withstand the winter weather.