Demand In ERCOT Hits Third-Highest Level In History
August 9, 2013
Demand for power in ERCOT hit the third-highest level in history on Wednesday, Aug. 7, as peak electric use topped out at 67,180 MW during the 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. hour. The grid experienced no problems during the day, as more than 74,000 MW of electricity was available during the peak hour. It was the highest demand so far in 2013, which has included a mild summer compared to 2011 and 2012. ERCOT’s record peak occurred Aug. 3, 2011, when demand hit 68,305 MW. Demand exceeded 65,000 MW for the first time this year on Aug. 1, compared to June 25 last year and July 25 in 2011. The fuel mix powering the grid during Wednesday’s peak included 59.3 percent natural gas, 29.2 percent coal, 7.5 percent nuclear, 3.4 percent wind, 0.3 percent diesel generation, 0.2 percent solar and biomass, and 0.1 percent hydroelectric power.