ERCOT Breaks Electricity Demand Record Again

Update: Adjusts 2/10/11 preliminary record of 57,282 MW to 57,265 MW, following final settlement.

Power Watch Cancelled

For the second time this month, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. (ERCOT), the grid operator for most of the state, set a new record for winter peak demand with 57,265* megawatts (MW) today between 7 and 8 a.m. – nearly 1,000 MW higher than the previous record from Feb. 2, and 1,400 MW higher than the 2010 record.

"While it is always a good idea to conserve electricity when you can, we are cancelling the ‘Power Watch” at this time," said CEO Trip Doggett. "We appreciate the efforts of the consumers to reduce their electricity consumption during these recent critical days of severe weather."

The all-time peak demand for the ERCOT region is 65,776 MW, which occurred on Aug. 23, 2010.

In addition, the “transmission watch” for the Rio Grande Valley area has been cancelled.

* Note:  Following final settlement, the record was adjusted to 57,265 MW from the initial preliminary calculation of 57,282 MW.  The number is not final until completion of the market’s financial settlement process six months after the operating day.