Heat Wave To Test ERCOT with High Peak Demand
With temperatures topping out at over 100°F and baking Houston, Dallas, and places in between, ERCOT’s demand peak reached a record of over 80.3 GW. Unfortunately, it’s not likely to end soon, either. For a lot of folks, this heat wave will not only make it hard for them to pay high Texas electricity rates but also stay coold and stay safe. So, let’s dig into what’s coming and what you can do to keep safe.
Hot Temps and Peak Demand Predicted
AccuWeather forecasts for Houston from June 15-25 are predicted to hit 100°F each day and then remain in the upper 90s afterward.
All the same, with this amount of heat, air conditioners will use LOTs of electricity in Texas cities and grid demand will soar. For example, while June 14 wasn’t as blisteringly hot, demand at 8:30 pm sent Real Time electricity prices on ERCOT to briefly spike at $501.27.
As a result, ERCOT has already issued its first Weather Watch. Consumers who have already signed up with ERCOT‘s new Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS) service will have received a warning.
ERCOT Issues Warning for Demand Peak
ERCOT may see a string of demand peak records set but it’s also confident they can meet demand. EROCT‘s summer reserve margn is over 37%. But while current resources add up to just over 97 GW, a peak demand of 80+ GW sure takes a noticeably big bite out of it.
What To Do To Stay Safe In High Heat
NOAA issues a Heat Advisory within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. for Texas, that’s 100° heat during the day and uncomfortably warm nights above 75°. In these instances, city residents usually face longer stretches of high temperatures because urban environments trap heat in pavement and concrete.
This kind of oppressive hot weather can dangerously stress young children and infants, persons with pre-existing medical conditions, and vulnerable older adults. Even for average healthy adults, such prolonged heat can put them in danger of heatstroke that may lead to illness or death.
Heat Exhaustion And Heat Stroke
When it’s hot outside, your body sweats to keep cool. As your sweat evaporates, it releases some the heat from your body. But if the weather is hot and humid, your sweat won’t evaporate. And if you haven’t been drinking enough water, you can’t sweat as much as you need to keep your body cool. Both of these can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Watch for the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
—- Heat exhaustion symptoms include dizziness, thirst, profuse sweating, nausea, and weakness.
—- Heat stroke symptoms include Confusion, dizziness, and unconsciousness.
Tips to Stay Safe During the Heat Advisory
- Stay indoors, if possible. Not everyone works in a nice air conditioned office. If you work outside during hot weather, wear light colored, light weight clothing, pace youself, stay hydrated, and watch out for your workmates. If you can, try to alter your work schedule to begin and end earlier in the day before temperatures become dangerous.
- Limit outdoor activity to earlier in the day before the day’s heat begins.
- Wear sunscreen; hot sunny days will usually also be high UV radiation days. So, you’ll want to protect your skin from burning.
- Wear lightweight, light colored clothing.
- Drink plenty of water and replace electrolytes.
- If you feel lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint, get out of the sun and cool down.
- Most important of all — DO NOT LEAVE CHILDREN AND PETS IN CARS!
Prepare for Peak Demand Heat Now
The coming week will stress not only the Texas grid but also everyone living here. Because we want everyone to get through this, be sure to listen for conservation warnings from ERCOT and be sure to do your part. Be sure to look in on your neighbors and take care of yourself, too.
It’s still early summer and more heat is on the way. So remember that you can stay informed about how Texas weather affects your electricity bills here at https://www.texaselectricityratings.com.
