Heat Wave Wreaks Havoc On Texas Power Plants

Tesla tries to help Texas electric grid amid heatwave with in-car alert – Electrek.co

Record temperatures are predicted to reach triple digits across most of the southern US this weekend. The temperature was in the 90s across all of Texas on Saturday, and was expected to reach 100 degrees on Sunday.

With temperatures soaring statewide, Gov. Greg Abbott is scrambling to reassure Texans that he’s closely monitoring the state’s shaky electric grid. Six power plants have failed, forcing the state to call on Texans to reduce air-conditioning usage and watch their energy consumption.

Abbott said he was meeting with officials from ERCOT and the Public Utilities Commission to ensure the grid remains reliable.

The nonprofit that manages power for more than 26 million customers in Texas is asking Texans to conserve power by setting their thermostats to 78 degrees or above and avoiding using large appliances during peak hours.

ERCOT came under scrutiny last year after widespread power outages caused by cold temperatures left many residents in the dark for days. Now the heat is testing Texas’ power grid.

Texas’ electric grid is having issues with increasing peak electricity demand. The state is asking Texans to limit their electricity usage between 3-8 pm.

Tesla is deploying 81 Megapacks of energy storage at a new residential project in Austin. The company is also planning to deploy more residential storage and solar in the future.

Check out the following news sources for more updates on this power outage:

  1. Tesla tries to help Texas electric grid amid heatwave with in-car alert  Electrek.co
  2. Texas power grid operator urges residents to conserve energy as plants go offline  Fox News
  3. Texans asked to turn up thermostats after sweltering heat knocks six power plants offline  CNN
  4. Gov. Greg Abbott scrambles to reassure Texans as power grid falters in first summer heat wave  Houston Chronicle
  5. Conservation urged as Texas power demand rises  KHOU 11