Julia Reihs / KUT
The control room of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. ERCOT manages the flow of electric power to more than 26 million Texans.
Power demand in Texas could come dangerously close to the state’s total power supply this summer, leading to a 16% chance of a power grid emergency and a 12% chance of rolling blackouts in August, according to a new report from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas.
ERCOT, the entity responsible for managing the flow of electric power to more than 26 million Texas customers, on Friday released a monthly resource adequacy outlook for August. The report found that statewide power demand in Texas could reach up to 78,000 megawatts in August. That’s just below the state’s projected supply of nearly 83,000 megawatts for August.
However, the report details a 16% chance that operating power reserves will fall below 2,500 megawatts, and a 12% chance that reserves could fall below 1,500 megawatts, potentially causing rolling blackouts. to avoid a failure in the state network.
Ed Hirs, an energy researcher at the University of Houston, said he is skeptical about the accuracy of ERCOT’s projection. He said the projection depends on the state’s energy sources performing as expected, which may not be the case as temperatures continue to rise. According to Hirs, the increase in heat could cause problems at some power plants “because their cooling systems become saturated.”
“Please note that ERCOT does not operate these plants. ERCOT can commission them, but it does not invest in or maintain the power plants,” Hirs said. “To some extent, it’s a bit like herding cats.”
Hirs believes ERCOT tends to “fall short of its peak demand forecasts.”
“I think we will exceed 78,000 megawatts many times this summer,” he said.
The state’s power grid has been under scrutiny since the catastrophic February 2021 winter storm, which left millions of people without power due to widespread blackouts. Since then, ERCOT and state lawmakers have implemented measures to bolster grid resiliency, including adding more power generation capacity and better winterizing power plants.
Read ERCOT’s monthly outlook for August 2024 below:
Meanwhile, Reliant Energy, along with Houston Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum and Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia, announced that the Beat the Heat program is back.
For 19 years, Reliant and its government partners have come together to help Houston’s elderly and disadvantaged residents cope with the heat. Twenty-two cooling centers will open across Houston for anyone needing a break from the sweltering heat.
“After last summer’s 30 days of 100+ degree heat, I think we can all agree that this program is very necessary and imperative for Houstonians,” Castex-Tatum said during her keynote address . “This program is vital in providing support to our seniors and vulnerable Texans, offering a place to socialize and escape the summer heat.”
The Houston Health Department will offer tips and care packages to ensure residents stay safe during extreme temperatures. And as in previous years, Reliant is offering to help residents with their electricity bills and usage.
“Over 1,000 cooling devices will be provided and over $180,000 will also be donated as part of the program,” Castex-Tatum said. “The Beat the Heat program is a testament to the power of community and public-private partnerships.”
Houston Health Department Deputy Director Deborah Moore had some advice for those who will be out during the heat: “Stay hydrated and activate a buddy plan, where you check on your friends and your friends check on you.”
“Remember to keep an eye on your neighbors, especially our elderly, children and families who are the most vulnerable in our communities during these hot summer months.”
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