The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, grid operator for most of the state, set a new winter record of 55,878* megawatts (MW) during 7-8 a.m. today, exceeding the old record by almost 5,500 MW.  

The ERCOT region initially exceeded the previous winter record between 7 and 8 p.m. Thursday when consumers used an hourly average of 52,001* MW of power – almost 1,600 MW higher than the old record of 50,408 MW (Feb. 16, 2007).  

“The ERCOT grid has not experienced any major operational issues during this severe weather event," said Vice President of System Planning and Operations Kent Saathoff.  “We are expecting continued higher-than-average winter demand today, although not as high as this morning’s load.   We don’t anticipate any problems meeting the demand, barring any unexpected major outages.” 

One megawatt typically powers about 500 average homes during average conditions. 

ERCOT’s all-time summer peak demand is 63,400 MW, which occurred on July 13, 2009. 

ERCOT maintains reliability of the bulk transmission grid by ensuring that generation matches load at all times, that transmission lines do not become overloaded, and that adequate generation reserves are ready in case of unexpected events. 

Winter Peak History

55,878* MW - Jan. 8, 2010 (7-8 a.m.)

52,001* MW - Jan. 7, 2010 (7-8 p.m.)

45,495 MW - Jan. 29, 2009

47,806 MW - Dec. 15, 2008

50,408 MW - Feb. 16, 2007

45,143 MW - Nov. 30, 2006

48,064 MW - Dec. 8, 2005

42,698 MW - Jan. 6, 2004

45,433 MW - Jan. 24, 2003

43,916 MW - Jan. 3, 2002

44,641 MW - Dec. 12, 2001

39,075 MW - Jan. 28, 2000  

* Note:  Following initial settlement, the record was adjusted to 55,878 MW.  The previously reported record of 55,856 MW was an unofficial preliminary calculation, based on an average hourly demand rather than processed meter data.  The number is not final until completion of the market’s financial settlement process six months after the operating day.

CONSUMER RESOURCES 

Consumer Hotline, Public Utility Commission
1-888-782-8477