ERCOT forecast indicates tight reserves on Monday and Tuesday mornings
As the state of Texas braces for the polar plunge this weekend, officials at ERCOT say the tightest capacity and demand will take place on Monday and Tuesday mornings.
Temperatures across the state are forecasted to be in the teens or single digits on Monday and Tuesday. Wind chills could dip below 0 in the northernmost portions of the state. Light wintry precipitation is also forecasted for a large portion of Texas late Sunday into Monday.
These weather conditions will increase energy demand to just under 80,000 MW at 9:00am on Monday morning with a committed capacity of 81,160 MW. Similar capacity and demand conditions will exist on Tuesday morning with a reserves around 1,500 MW.
If the reserves drop below 2,500 MW and are not expected to recover within 30 minutes, ERCOT will enter into emergency operations.
If operating reserves fall below 1,500 MW, ERCOT will call on local electric utilities to begin rolling blackouts. We are forecasted to be close to that threshold on Monday and Tuesday mornings.
ERCOT has issued a Weather Watch from January 14–17 due to forecasted extreme cold weather across the ERCOT region, higher electrical demand, and the potential for lower reserves. Grid conditions are expected to be normal.
We will keep you updated on any conversation appeals throughout the next several days.
