ERCOT assesses electricity use, energy alert potential

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is anticipating record electric use and the increased potential for energy alerts in advance of the coming summer season.

The analysis determination is based on the final Seasonal Assessment of Resource Adequacy (SARA) for June through September.

“ERCOT is prepared to use the tools and procedures that are in place to maintain system reliability during tight conditions,” Bill Magness, ERCOT president and CEO, said.

ERCOT has identified a potential need to enter Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) status to maintain system reliability, officials said, adding the final summer SARA report includes a forecasted peak demand of 74,853 MW, which is 1,300 MW higher than the all-time peak demand record set last summer on July 19.

ERCOT officials acknowledge operating reserves are expected to remain tight and maintain total generation resource capacity has increased to 78,929 MW compared to the preliminary summer SARA released in March, due primarily to the expected return of a 365 MW gas-fired unit, increased output from certain units that are undergoing equipment upgrades and an increase in the amount of DC tie imports.

The Capacity, Demand and Reserves and SARA reports reflect the anticipated resource capacity available to meet the forecasted summer peak demand and the expected capacity may differ from what will be available based on system conditions and the operational status of the resources.