Texas Power Grid on Brink: Emergency System Activated

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the primary grid operator in the state, activated its emergency system due to a drop in electricity reserves below the critical level of 3,000 MW. This shortage was driven by increased power usage during a heatwave. The extreme heat, exemplified by Houston's temperatures reaching 102.2°F, caused the increased demand. This situation draws attention to the state's vulnerability to extreme weather events, highlighted by the February 2021 storm that left millions without power. The grid operator urged consumers to conserve power during peak demand hours, and real-time power prices surged above $5,000 in most of ERCOT's Texas hubs.