Can the Texas power grid handle the alarming 2023 heatwave?
“In mid-June; “KHOU 11 meteorologists forecast at least six triple-digit days in a row.”
“David Kinchen, Energy Ogre’s COO, said even though wallets may suffer, Texans themselves hopefully won’t.” ERCOT projected the highest energy demand to be Friday, June 16, at 81,683 megawatts. That would smash the record of 80,038 megawatts set last July.”
“Why do we keep breaking energy records in Texas? Simply put because people keep moving to the state. The Public Utility Commission of Texas said from 2008 to 2022 the state’s population grew by 24%.”
“However, Texas only added 1.5% in dispatchable power, like coal and nuclear plants. Over the past several years, renewable energy sources, like wind and solar, have been added.”
“Wind, solar, dispatchable power and battery storage are what make up ERCOT’s supply. ERCOT said all of them combined should be enough to get Texas through the upcoming heatwave.”
Kinchen said he wouldn’t be surprised if ERCOT asks Texans to pitch in as a precaution.
“ERCOT might send out notices on certain days. They might possibly ask for conservation,” he said.”
“In May, ERCOT launched an alert system that Texans can sign up for.”
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