Electricity demand peaked at 62,762 megawatts (MW) today between 4-5 pm in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) region – lower than the earlier forecast of more than 65,000 MW.
“We appreciate the efforts from businesses and consumers who reduced their electricity consumption in response to our appeal for conservation,” said Kent Saathoff, vice president of grid operations and system planning.
ERCOT entered an Energy Emergency Alert Level 1 at 3:30 pm when reserves dropped below 2,300 MW due to the unexpected loss of about 2000 MW generation and high temperatures. The alert was cancelled at 4:55 pm but a “watch” remains in effect until reserves reach a comfortable threshold.
The electricity demand forecast for Tuesday is 64,400 MW, but the units that failed today are expected to be available tomorrow, in addition to other capacity that was not available today.
ERCOT’s all-time electricity demand is 65,776 MW, which occurred on Aug. 23, 2010.
Today’s preliminary peak of 62,752 MW is a record for the month of June, surpassing the previous record of 62,278 MW, set on Jun 25, 2009.
One megawatt is roughly enough electricity to power 500 average homes under normal conditions in Texas, or about 200 homes during hot weather when air conditioners are running for longer periods of time.
Original Story from 3:30pm Monday: Consumers and businesses are asked to reduce their electricity use during peak electricity hours from 3 to 7 p.m. today due to record high temperatures and unexpected generation outages.
“The temperature is hotter than usual for this time of year, and we lost several generation units earlier today,” said Kent Saathoff, vice president of grid operations and system planning. “Consumers can help by delaying or limiting their electrical energy use until after 7 this evening.”
CONSERVATION TIPS
- Limit electricity usage to only that consumption which is absolutely necessary. Turn off all unnecessary lights, appliances, and electronic equipment.
- Do not use your dishwasher, laundry equipment, hair dryers, coffee makers, pool pump, or other home appliances between the hours of 3 to 7 p.m.
- Close blinds and drapes on windows that get direct sun, set air conditioning thermostats to 80 degrees, and use fans to circulate the air.
- Use microwaves or outdoor grills for cooking to avoid heating the home.
- Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible.
- Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes.
See more conservation tips at “Powerful Advice,” Public Utility Commission of Texas: http://www.puc.state.tx.us/agency/conserve/Conserve.aspx
CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
Public Utility Commission Consumer Hotline – 1-888-782-8777
Office of Public Utility Counsel Consumer Assistance – 1-877-839-0363
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages the flow of electric power to approximately 23 million Texas customers – representing 85 percent of the state’s electric load and 75 percent of the Texas land area. As the Independent System Operator for the region, ERCOT schedules power on an electric grid that connects 40,500 miles of transmission lines and more than 550 generation units. ERCOT also manages financial settlement for the competitive wholesale bulk-power market and administers customer switching for 6.6 million Texans in competitive choice areas.
