DALLAS (1080 KRLD) - A long, hot summer could put a serious strain on the main power grid in Texas.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) expects record electric use during the months ahead.
On Wednesday, ERCOT released its final Seasonal Assessment of Resource Adequacy (SARA) for the June-September period. Officials said there is a potential need to enter Energy Emergency Alert status to maintain system reliability. That means ERCOT may have to implement emergency measures, such as having to tap into its backup resources on the hottest days of the year. ERCOT Spokesperson Leslie Sopko said, "We can also import power from neighboring grids, and we can also request conservation from consumers."
Still, the grid operator says rolling blackouts would only come as a last resort. ERCOT President and CEO Bill Magness said, "ERCOT is prepared to use the tools and procedures that are in place to maintain system reliability during tight conditions."
The latest SARA report includes a forecasted peak demand of 74,853 megawatts (MW), which would be 1,300 MW higher than the all-time peak demand record set on July 19, 2018. One MW of electricity can power about 200 homes during periods of peak demand.
ERCOT officials said electricity demand across Texas is growing more quickly than expected. One reason is the state's growing population. Sopko said, "Electric demand growth is especially strong in west Texas, where there is oil and gas development, and also along the coast, where new industrial facilities are being constructed."
ERCOT manages about 90% of the electricity flow in Texas.
