Record high electricity consumption is expected Thursday for the power grid that serves most Texans, after two consecutive days in which the record for peak June demand was smashed.
With 100-degree-plus temperatures forecast through Saturday for Dallas-Fort Worth, AARP Texas and state Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, called on the Texas Public Utility Commission on Tuesday to prevent "dangerous" power disconnections for people unable to pay their electric bills.
"As . . . triple-digit temperatures become the norm, it is imperative that we take immediate action to prevent tragedies in our state," said Bob Jackson, AARP Texas state director. "While AARP continues to urge the Texas Legislature to fix the problem permanently, we ask the PUC to do the responsible thing and protect the lives and health of many citizens who are at increased risk this summer."
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which oversees the power grid that serves about 22 million Texans, forecasts that power demand will peak today at 62,450 megawatts and at 63,589 megawatts Thursday. The record is 62,339 megawatts, set Aug. 17, 2006, ERCOT spokeswoman Dottie Roark said.
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