The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is expecting an increase in the demand for power during a hot spell forecasted for Mother’s Day weekend, according to a report from Austin FOX affiliate KTBC.
KTBC reported that the mercury could hover around or surpass 100 degrees, with ERCOT – which manages Texas’ energy grid – alerting power plants statewide to brace for any emergency situations.
Stoic Energy president Doug Lewin told the station that “everyone [is] on notice.”
“We’re going to need every megawatt hour we can get,” Lewin said, KTBC reported.
National Weather Service meteorologist Kent Prochazka said that Texas could see new high temperature records set, according to the station.
An ERCOT spokesperson said in a statement issued to media outlets across Texas that the nonprofit organization, which was the subject of ire and scrutiny during and following last year’s Winter Storm Uri, stands ready for the heat wave’s affects on the grid.
“ERCOT will deploy all the tools available to us to manage the grid reliably,” the statement said. “ERCOT is coordinating closely with the Public Utility Commission, generation resource owners and transmission utilities to ensure they are prepared for the extreme heat.”
ERCOT asserted that it’s capable of meeting the anticipated spike in demand, San Antonio ABC affiliate KSAT reported.
According to CPS Energy, energy customers can lower the cost of their bills by setting their thermostats at least two degrees higher from 3 to 7 p.m., as well as shutting off and unplugging unnecessary lights and appliances, per the station.
