26 million Texan facing AC and power crisis amid 100f temps
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Extreme heat is expected to worsen the situation in Texas on Thursday, with demand on the power grid reaching an all-time high.
Temperatures are expected to reach 105f in some parts of the state, creating a demand of about 80 gigawatts in energy.
Multiple heat advisories have been put in effect for various counties as temperatures rise and wildfires continue to threaten the state.
To keep up with anticipated high use of air conditioners across the state, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas Inc. (ERCOT) is expected to utilize wind turbines to generate more electricity, according to data reported by Bloomberg.
System-wide prices are expected to peak at an average of $365 a megawatt-hour at 5 p.m., according to ERCOT. About 22% of power supplies will be dependent on wind and renewables during peak hours.
Despite the potential strain on the power grid, ERCOT expects ‘sufficient generation to meet forecasted demand,’ a spokesperson told DailyMail.com.
Temperatures are expected to reach above 103f in some areas as a heat wave continues to strike the state. The high temperatures are threatening the power grid as residents may crank up the air conditioner
To keep up with the demand, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas Inc. is expected to utilize wind turbines to generate more electricity, according to a report
Heat advisories have been put into place along with thunderstorm warnings on the east and south side of the state
As more residents crank up the air, the fear of coal and natural gas experiencing breakdowns to reach ERCOT’s demand for reserves lingers among power experts.
Michele Richmond, executive director of Texas Competitive Power Advocates, told Bloomberg that she worries about the stress applied to various energy systems as ERCOT attempts to meet their reserve goals.
‘The fleet continues to run at unprecedented levels,’ Richmond said. ‘Power plant owners will remain concerned about the increasing and ever-present stress on the fleet.’
Whether or not the systems will be threatened will be dependent on the usage of electricity amid multiple heat advisories for Texas.
Heat advisories across multiple counties nearby are in effect for the second day in a row as temperatures are expected to reach near or over 103 degrees, according to the National Weather Service Houston.
In Austin and San Antonio, temperatures will reach a high of 104f and heat index values up to 111f as a heat advisory remains in effect, according to Weather.com. Meanwhile, in Houston, temperatures are expected to reach a high of 99f and a low of 79f.
Multiple heat advisories are in effect for the second day in a row as temperatures are expected to potentially reach over 103f
A heat advisory is in effect for San Antonio as temperatures reach a high of 104f and a low of 76f. The heat index is anticipated to reach 111f
A heat advisory is in effect for Austin is ongoing as temperatures reach a high of 104f and a low of 76f. The heat index is anticipated to reach 111f
Temperatures are expected to be slightly lower in Houston with a high of 99f and a low of 79f
Meanwhile, persistent temperatures above 100f in the state have resulted in various wildfires as moisture is removed from vegetation areas.
On August 1, 16 new wildfires were recorded with 341 acres burned, according to Texas A&M Forest Service.
The forest service updates Twitter daily with new information regarding wildfires throughout the state.
The latest fire was reported outside of Dallas in Wise County on August 3. Texas A&M reported that the fire had burned 100 acres and was at 0% containment as of Wednesday evening.
Governor Greg Abbott told Texans in July to be vigilant of wildfires during the summer heatwave, where temperatures have reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
‘The State of Texas remains steadfast in our ongoing coordinated response to help Texans and communities affected by or at risk of wildfires,’ Abbott said.
‘As we continue to deploy all available resources in response to widespread fire and drought conditions, Texans are encouraged to remain vigilant and weather-aware to protect themselves and their loved ones from dangerous wildfires.’
Multiple fires have burned throughout Texas as temperatures continuously reach above 100f amid heat waves