As the heat rises

Can Texas retain its electricity this summer?

With scoring temperatures in June, many residents are concerned if the electric grid can keep up with the demand. MONIQUE BRAND | DISPATCH RECORD
With scoring temperatures in June, many residents are concerned if the electric grid can keep up with the demand. MONIQUE BRAND | DISPATCH RECORD

With record triple-digit temperatures expected through the weekend, residents are seeking refuge indoors — which can cause an increase in demand on the electric grid.

On June 13, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas grid conditions showed the state had 75,083 megawatts of demand at 5:20 p.m., which is the highest ever.

The previous record for electricity demand in ERCOT’s system was set in Augu…