Texas just misses power use record, remains under "power watch"

Texas just misses power use record, remains under "power watch"

Aug 4 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Tom Fowler Houston Chronicle Houston Chronicle

The state's peak electricity demand today fell just short of a record today, as clouds moderated Houston temperatures. But Texas power customers remain under a "power watch" encouraging reduced usage until 7 p.m.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which operates the grid, issued the watch this morning in anticipation of near-record demand on a hot afternoon.

The Public Utility Commission also extended its Yellow Alert from last week, encouraging energy conservation.

But by 5 p.m. demand peaked at 62,124 megawatts, ERCOT reported, just short of the record 62,339 megawatts set Aug. 17, 2006.

A power watch is the first of four steps ERCOT can take during times of high demand. Under a power watch ERCOT calls on power companies to bring additional generating units online and asks homes and businesses to turn off all unnecessary lights and equipment.

If a power watch isn't enough, ERCOT can bring in electricity from neighboring regions, including Mexico, and activate a program where certain industrial users agree to cut back power use on short notice.

The next level of action involves turning off power in another pool of commercial users.

The final stage is controlled blackouts to prevent systemwide failure.

One megawatt typically powers about 200 average homes during hot summer weather.

tom.fowler@chron.com