“The Texas electric grid hit an unofficial peak demand record Wednesday afternoon as Texans cranked up their air conditioners to keep cool as temperatures across the state climbed into triple digits.

Electricity usage hit a record 85,967 megawatts about noon, according to data from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. That surpasses the previous record of 85,508 megawatts set in August 2023. The grid operator doesn’t immediately validate demand records.

Energy demand was expected to continuing climbing, with usage projected to peak by 3 p.m. at 90,155 megawatts.

Despite demand reaching new highs, ERCOT said the grid was operating under normal conditions with capacity remaining comfortably above demand. When electricity demand topped the record at midday, data from the grid operator showed capacity topped 109,300 megawatts.”

From San Antonio Express-News.