[thackney]

This article, 4 days ago, urged us to cut our usuage for the next few days.

[deport]

February 10, 2011

ERCOT Breaks Electricity Demand Record Again

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 57,282 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.