ERCOT warns of potential strain on power grid

TYLER – ERCOT issued a “weather watch” due to high temperatures and a high level of expected maintenance outages that could lead to the potential for lower reserves. According to our news partner KETK, a weather watch is issued during times of expected high demand, mainly during the summer or winter months. Jason Blakeney, owner of Blakeney Hardware, has spent years working in the energy industry and believes there is simply too much demand on our state’s power grid.

“When that happens and you have the housing industry build up as fast as it has it puts a strain on our already strained power supply,” Blakeney said.

According to census data, Texas added more people than any other state in the last year, growing by half a million people.

“Texas is doing really well, a lot of people are moving to the state, businesses are moving to the state so that helps drive the electric demands up,” Pablo Vegas, ERCOT president and CEO, said.

ERCOT staff said this weather watch is not a call for people to conserve power but rather a warning that future conditions could strain the grid.

“We’re seeing growth on the electric grid from renewable sources, we’re seeing solar and wind growing on the electric grid year after year,” Vegas said.

ERCOT expects grid conditions to remain normal, and ahead of summer, they encourage everyone to sign up for their Texas Advisory And Notification System.