In Texas, Reuters reported that soaring temperatures are set to drive electricity demand to unprecedented levels this summer, with the state's grid operator anticipating record-breaking usage throughout June and July.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has forecasted that power consumption will surpass previous June highs on Thursday, followed by even greater demand exceeding July's peak next week, as residents and businesses crank up their air conditioning units to combat the blistering heat.
This forecast comes as residents recall past power grid failures, like the big freeze in February 2021 and severe heat waves that left millions without power.
Despite these concerns, ERCOT says the grid is stable and has enough supply to meet the expected high demand in the coming days.
High Temperature in Texas
Temperatures in major cities like Houston are expected to climb higher, with meteorologists from AccuWeather projecting highs nearing 99°F (37°C) by early July. When factoring in humidity, these temperatures could feel as hot as 110°F (43°C), posing additional challenges for energy consumption and public health.
Analysts anticipate rising economic activity and the increasing energy demands of technologies such as data centers and cryptocurrency mining will strain the grid this summer.
This means increased energy consumption for cooling that could lead to possible outages and heightened concerns for employee health and safety in extreme heat conditions.
Businesses in Texas are also expected to implement measures to protect their employees. Failure to address these challenges may result in potential legal liabilities related to workplace safety.
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