AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The operator of the electricity transmission grid for most of Texas says this week’s freezing temperatures have pushed demand for power in the state to a new winter record.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas says electricity use peaked Tuesday morning at 57,277 megawatts. The previous winter record was 57,265 megawatts on Feb. 10, 2011.
ERCOT has discontinued a conservation alert it had issued on Monday calling on customers to reduce their use of electricity. The alert came after problems with high electricity use across much of the state due to frigid temperatures were compounded by the failure of two power plants.
ERCOT spokeswoman Robbie Searcy says the electricity supply is in good shape and the system is operating normally.