Texas
Related: About this forumTight power reserves expected this summer
A forecast for a hotter and drier summer than normal has state officials bracing for conditions that could again test the limits of the states primary electricity grid.
Managers at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) say the state is better prepared than in 2011, when record heat and drought conditions raised the threat of rolling blackouts.
Current estimates indicate that we likely will see very tight conditions on the hottest days, said Kent Saathoff, ERCOTs vice president of grid operations. Although we expect to have more resources available for summer demands than we projected at this time in 2012, we also expect higher demand this year.
He said Texans should expect to be called on to reduce energy use during times of peak demand, usually between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. during the summer.
More at http://www.statesman.com/news/business/tight-power-reserves-expected-this-summer/nWd5W/ .
longship
(40,416 posts)Where I live in rural Michigan, almost nobody has A/C. It's a waste of money. When it gets hot, I close the house up in the early AM and leave that way until night has well fallen. My one box fan is placed in the doorway to the cellar which is cool all year.
It gets hot here, but the cost of A/C just isn't worth comfort for a couple of weeks at the most.
Now, about my yearly cost for heating oil...
TexasTowelie
(111,314 posts)In the summer if I walk the ten yards out to the mailbox and get back without breaking a sweat then it's a miracle!
longship
(40,416 posts)And yes! I break into a sweat when it's above 90F and the usual minimum 65% summer humidity here. August is a bitch. Shower twice a day and wear only underwear.