ERCOT assures ample electric power for Texas summer

• 3 years ago (2021-05-07)
• David Flin

Distribution 122 North America 1021

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The Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which manages the electric grid in the state, said that its latest assessment showed that the grid was expected to provide sufficient power to meet summer peak demand. However, ERCOT also said that it expected record-breaking demand that could result in tight supply reserve margins. ERCOT predicted a demand peak of 77 144 MW this summer, compared to a total generating resource capacity of 86 862 MW.

Woody Rickerson, Vice President of Grid Planning and Operations at ERCOT, said: “While the risk for emergency conditions remains low this summer based on many of the scenarios studied, a combination of factors in real time, including record demand, high thermal generation outages, and low wind/solar output could result in tight grid conditions. We cannot control the weather or forced generation outages, but we are prepared to deploy the tools that are available to us to maintain a reliable electric system.”

ERCOT will also inspect summer weatherisation at selected power plants.