Electricity demand sparks alert to conserve

The Rio Grande Valley is in for simmering temperatures through next week, with a heat advisory issued for the region and forecasts of heat values ranging from 105 to 110 degrees.

Simmering temperatures across the state on Thursday resulted in a request by the Texas Public Utilities Commission to conserve electricity as demand could reach record levels.

The National Weather Service’s Brownsville office has issued a heat advisory through next Wednesday.

Meteorologists warn that heat values, the “feels like” temperatures, could range from 105 to 110 degrees for a few hours each afternoon in Cameron, Willacy, Hidalgo, Starr, Jim Hogg, Brooks and Zapata counties.

The Yellow Conservation Alert was issued about noon on Thursday. The commission said high temperatures across the state resulted in a near record demand for electricity.

The state asked for energy conservation measures between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, but does not expect another conservation request because electric demand decreases over weekends, Dottie Roark, a spokeswoman for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, said.

However, ERCOT would continue to monitor weather forecasts and any new alerts would be posted on ERCOT’s website.

“Rolling blackouts” — periodic electric service interruptions caused by high energy demand — are unlikely, she said, but “Never say never.”

AEP-Texas spokesman Frank Espinoza said, “It’s always a good idea to conserve energy, particularly in the summer months when temperatures are extreme.”

Conservation helps electric systems to operate more efficiently during peak hours, he said.

Elsewhere in Texas, Dallas is facing a 13th straight day of 100-degree or higher temperatures.

Temperatures in the high 90s and low 100s are forecast for Houston, San Antonio, Odessa, Lubbock and El Paso for the next three to five days.

Valley Morning Star reporter Isaac Garcia contributed to this report.