New Energy
Texas Power Use Soars to All-Time High for Ninth Time This Year
- Demand on state grid topped 78.9 gigawatts amid extreme heat
- Grid consumption is setting new records at a record pace
Power lines in Dallas, Texas.
Photographer: Nitashia Johnson/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Electricity use in Texas soared to a record high for the ninth time this year as extreme heat and the rapidly growing local economy tests the state’s grid.
Demand rose to more than 78.9 gigawatts during the hour ending at 5 p.m. Central time, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which operates the system. Ercot demand had previously set new highs eight times over five weeks, with the most recent peak of 78.4 gigawatts on July 12.