VAN ALSTYNE, Texas (KXII) – The Electric Reliability Council of Texas recorded a new all-time power demand high of 91,089 megawatts on July 22, surpassing the previous record of 85,508 megawatts set in August 2023.<\/p>\n
To put the figure in context, one megawatt can power 250 homes during peak hours.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s driving the surge<\/p>\n
David McGinnis, CEO of Grayson-Collin Electric Co-op, said population growth and summer temperatures are the primary factors.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, it\u2019s summer and so with the almost 1,000 people moving to our state nearly daily, electric use goes up nearly every season because it\u2019s triple degrees,\u201d McGinnis said. \u201cPeople are wanting to stay cool.\u201d<\/p>\n
How this compares to previous winter storm <\/p>\n
Some Texomans have drawn comparisons to the 2021 winter storm that caused widespread grid failures. McGinnis said the two situations are not comparable.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re used to summer heat in Texas. We\u2019re not used to being cold,\u201d McGinnis said. \u201cThe major difference where some downstream gas and power failures that cause some plant failures.\u201d<\/p>\n
Grayson-Collin Electric Co-op said ERCOT dispatches power from nearly 900 generators across the state, including local sources such as the Denison Dam in Texoma.<\/p>\n
How residents can help<\/p>\n
McGinnis said the co-op began preparing for this week\u2019s heat several weeks in advance.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe always worry. It\u2019s just part of the business. But we think we prepare earlier. We don\u2019t wait till it\u2019s 100 to do the job \u2014 we prepared several weeks ago for this week\u2019s weather,\u201d McGinnis said.<\/p>\n
Grayson-Collin Electric Co-op said residents can help reduce strain on the grid during peak hours, between 3 and 9 p.m., by taking the following steps:<\/p>\n
Set thermostats to 78 degreesUse ceiling fans in occupied roomsShift laundry and electric vehicle charging to overnight hours<\/p>\n
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