Texas Grid Holding Up To Power Demands Amid Heat Wave

High temperature records are in danger in Texas. The current heat wave is forecasted to only get worse. Hot temperatures will carry into the week of July 4, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

Areas like Rio Grande Village, TX, have seen temps as high as 118 degrees, 2 degrees shy of a record mark. And yes, actual degrees, not "feels like" temps. Forecasts are calling for more widespread heat moving into the Texas Panhandle.

With a quick tour around the internet, it feels like the media is hoping for a grid failure. Texas continues to roll with the punches and deal with the heat. Adding solar and wind to the grid portfolio has also helped the state deal with weather-related power demands. Oil and natural gas are still pulling the majority of the weight.

 “Solar is producing 15 percent of total energy right now,” said Joshua Rhodes, research scientist at University of Texas at Austin. "So far this year, about 7 percent of the electric power used in Texas has come from solar, and 31 percent from wind."

Temperature records will be tied or broken before the state sees relief, according to NWS representatives.

High temperatures in Dallas next week are forecasted to be 105 degrees.

The NWS record book (records go back about 120 years) shows 1980 was a warm June setting records of 112 and 113 from June 26-June 28. This is not the first heat wave Texas has dealt with and it won't be the last.

Prepare your business for the worst-case scenario. Give our team a call at (866) 518-1240 to learn about industrial standby generator options and never miss a beat. If you need something for your home, our sister company, Generator Mart, can help you out.

Story Summary

 
How hot is it getting in Texas?
Temperatures in Texas are reaching extreme levels, with some areas like Rio Grande Village recording highs of 118°F (47.8°C), just 2 degrees shy of the record. Dallas is forecasted to reach 105°F (40.6°C).
 
Is this heat wave expected to continue? Yes, forecasts indicate that the heat wave will persist and potentially worsen. The National Weather Service predicts that hot temperatures will continue into the week of July 4th.
 
How is the Texas power grid handling the increased demand? Media speculation aside, the Texas power grid is currently holding up to the heat wave and increased power demands. The addition of solar and wind energy to the grid portfolio has helped the state manage weather-related power demands.
 
What percentage of Texas' energy is coming from renewable sources?
Currently, solar is producing 15% of total energy in Texas. So far this year, about 7% of the electric power used in Texas has come from solar, and 31% from wind.
 
Are temperature records being broken?
While some temperature records are in danger of being broken, the current heat wave hasn't yet surpassed historical records. For example, June 1980 still holds some record high temperatures of 112°F and 113°F (44.4°C and 45°C) set from June 26-28.
 
How can businesses and homeowners prepare for potential power issues?
Businesses and homeowners are advised to consider standby generator options to prepare for worst-case scenarios. Industrial standby generators for businesses and residential generators for homes can provide backup power if needed.
 
Is this heat wave unusual for Texas?
While the current heat wave is intense, it's not unprecedented. Texas has dealt with severe heat waves in the past and will likely face them in the future. The National Weather Service records, which go back about 120 years, show that extreme heat events have occurred before.