The control room at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. ERCOT manages the flow of electric power to more than 26 million Texans.
The report found that energy demand throughout the state of Texas could reach as high as 78,000 megawatts in August. And city and county officials will open 22 cooling centers for the summer.
Energy demand in Texas could dangerously approach the state’s total electrical supply this summer, leading to a 16% chance of an electric 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, released a monthly outlook for resource adequacy for August on Friday. The report found that energy demand throughout the state of Texas could reach as high as 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 energy reserves could drop below 2,500 megawatts, and a 12% that reserves could dip below 1,500 megawatts — which could potentially trigger rolling blackouts to prevent a statewide grid failure.
Ed Hirs, an energy fellow at the University of Houston, said he’s skeptical of the accuracy of ERCOT’s projection. He said the projection relies on the state’s energy sources operating as expected, which may not be the case as temperatures continue to rise. According to Hirs, the increasing heat could cause issues at some power plants “because their coolant systems become overwhelmed.”
“Keep in mind, ERCOT doesn’t operate these plants. ERCOT can call them into service, but does not invest, does not maintain the power plants,” Hirs said. “To a certain extent, it’s a bit like herding cats.”
Hirs believes ERCOT tends to “undershoot on their demand forecasts for the peaks.”
“I think we’ll blow past 78,000 megawatts many times this summer,” he said.
The state’s power grid has been under scrutiny since the catastrophic winter storm in February 2021, which left millions without power due to widespread blackouts. Since then, ERCOT and state lawmakers have implemented measures to bolster grid resilience, including the addition of more power generation capacity and improved winterization of power plants.
Read ERCOT’s monthly outlook for August 2024 HERE:
Meanwhile, Reliant Energy on Friday, 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 teamed up to help Houston’s underprivileged and elderly residents deal with the heat. Twenty-two cooling centers will open across Houston for all who need a break from the stifling heat.
“After last summer’s 30 days of over 100-degree heat, I think we can all agree that this program is much needed and imperative for Houstonians,” Castex-Tatum said during her opening remarks. “This program is vital for 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 offer care packages to ensure residents stay safe during extreme temperatures and, like in years past, Reliant is offering to help residents with their electricity bills and electricity usage.
“Over 1,000 cooling devices will be provided and more than $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 Assistant Director Deborah Moore gave 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 check on your neighbors, especially our seniors, the children, the families that are the most vulnerable in our communities during these hot summer months,” Moore said.
Source: Houston Public Media – A service of the University of Houston
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