Daily power consumption in Texas set a record for May on Sunday, the state grid operator said, for the fourth time this month, as homes and businesses fire up air conditioners to escape a heat wave.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which operates most of the state's power grid for 27 million customers, said power demand soared to a preliminary 73,756 megawatts (MW) late on Sunday, which would top the former high for May of 73,749 MW set on Saturday.
Analysts expect electricity consumption will top its all-time high this summer amid economic and population growth in Texas and rising demand for power from data centres, artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency mining.
The grid's all-time peak was 85,508 MW on Aug. 10, 2023.
On Friday, ERCOT said the system was operating normally with enough supply available to meet expected demand all week.
The increased demand has pushed prices higher with day-ahead power for one hour on Sunday evening rising to $1,518 per MWh, from $42.19 per MWh for the same hour on Saturday.
Power demand broke the daily record for May twice before this month and hit a preliminary 72,695 megawatts (MW) on Friday.
ERCOT projected usage would break the new May daily record on Monday, the Memorial Day public holiday, when it forecasts a peak above 76,500 MW.
High temperatures in Houston, Texas's biggest city, will reach 93 degrees Fahrenheit (34 degrees Celsius) on Sunday and rise to 99 F (37 C) on Memorial Day, according to meteorologists at AccuWeather.
The normal high in Houston at this time of year is 88 F (31 C).
One megawatt can usually power about 800 homes on a normal day but as few as 250 on a hot summer day in Texas.
Latest Stories
-
Paris 2024: Opening ceremony showcases grandiose celebration of French culture and diversity
3 hours -
Spectacular photos from the Paris 2024 opening ceremony
4 hours -
How decline of Indian vultures led to 500,000 human deaths
4 hours -
Paris 2024: Ghana rocks ‘fabulous fugu’ at olympics opening ceremony
4 hours -
Trust Hospital faces financial strain with rising debt levels – Auditor-General’s report
5 hours -
Electrochem lease: Allocate portions of land to Songor people – Resident demand
5 hours -
82 widows receive financial aid from Chayil Foundation
5 hours -
The silent struggles: Female journalists grapple with Ghana’s high cost of living
5 hours -
BoG yet to make any payment to Service Ghana Auto Group
5 hours -
‘Crushed Young’: The Multimedia Group, JL Properties surprise accident victim’s family with fully-furnished apartment
6 hours -
Asante Kotoko needs structure that would outlive any administration – Opoku Nti
7 hours -
JoyNews exposé on Customs officials demanding bribes airs on July 29
7 hours -
JoyNews Impact Maker Awardee ships first consignment of honey from Kwahu Afram Plains
8 hours -
Joint committee under fire over report on salt mining lease granted Electrochem
8 hours -
Life Lounge with Edem Knight-Tay: Don’t be beaten the third time
8 hours