Tight power reserves expected this summer [View all]
A forecast for a hotter and drier summer than normal has state officials bracing for conditions that could again test the limits of the state’s 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, ERCOT’s 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/ .
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