ERCOT issues Weather Watch for Wednesday

ERCOT, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, issued a Weather Watch for Wednesday, May 8, due to “unseasonably high temperatures, high levels of expected maintenance outages during the spring shoulder months, and the potential for lower reserves.”  While the notice sent out Tuesday could cause concern, ERCOT said grid conditions are expected to be normal and that no action would be needed from customers.

According to ERCOT, a Weather Watch is an advance notification of forecasted significant weather with higher electrical demand and the potential for lower reserves.

Last month, ERCOT warned Texans could be days away from energy conservation due to maintenance.  ERCOT stated an increased power demand had the potential to lead to a power emergency.

In 2023, ERCOT set 10 new all-time peak demand records, with the highest in August at more than 85,000 megawatts.  Grid conditions can be monitored online.