Texans’ bid to stay cool in the heat takes energy consumption to a new level

Texans set an unofficial record for electricity use Tuesday as soaring temperatures prompted homeowners, schools and businesses to turn on air conditioners.

Electricity demand on the state grid rose to 85,559 megawatts at 6 p.m. local time, surpassing the August 2023 record of 85,508 megawatts, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. The amount becomes official after more accurate meters are calculated, the grid operator said.

Northern and central sections of the Lone Star State faced dangerous conditions as the heat index — a measure that takes into account the impact of humidity on the human body — rose, according to the National Weather Service.

So far, the summer of 2024 has not been as hot in terms of heat as 2023, when energy demand smashed all-time highs 21 times. The riskiest hours for the grid come around sunset, when the solar sources decline. The batteries have been a saving grace, kicking in during the early evening to supplement power supplies from traditional sources like natural gas plants.

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.