The situation in Texas is anticipated to get worse on Thursday as a result of the extreme heat, with the demand for electricity hitting an all-time high.
In some areas of the state, temperatures are predicted to reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in an energy demand of around 80 gigawatts.
As temperatures increase and wildfires continue to pose a threat to the state, numerous heat advisories have been issued for a number of counties.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas Inc. (ERCOT) is projected to deploy wind turbines to generate additional electricity in order to keep up with the anticipated high consumption of air conditioners throughout the state, according to information provided by Bloomberg.
ERCOT predicts that prices will peak at an average of $365 per megawatt-hour at that time. Wind and renewable energy sources will provide for about 22% of peak-hour power needs.
ERCOT anticipates “adequate generation to satisfy predicted demand” despite the potential pressure on the electrical infrastructure, a spokeswoman told DailyMail.com.
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.
Meanwhile, when moisture is drained from vegetative regions by consistently high temperatures in the state above 100°F, numerous wildfires have occurred.
According to Texas A&M Forest Service, 16 new wildfires were reported on August 1 and consumed 341 acres.
Daily updates on wildfires across the state are posted to Twitter by the forest service.
On August 3, a fire outside of Dallas in Wise County was reported. According to Texas A&M, as of Wednesday night, the fire had consumed 100 acres and was not contained at all.
In July, Governor Greg Abbott warned Texans to be cautious of wildfires because of the summer heatwave, which has seen temperatures approach 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Abbott stated that “The State of Texas stands unwavering in its ongoing coordinated effort to assist Texans and towns harmed by or at risk of wildfires.”
‘Texans are asked to be attentive and weather-aware to protect themselves and their loved ones from dangerous wildfires as we continue to deploy all available resources in response to extensive fire and drought conditions,’ said the statement.
