ERCOT predicts record demand for energy in Texas

What's happening: Grid conditions remain normal as of Thursday morning, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) website.

• ERCOT's six-day forecast predicts that peak demand could surpass 80,000 megawatts by Friday afternoon as homes and businesses rely on AC to stay cool.
• High temperatures in Austin will hover above 100° at least through the weekend, according to National Weather Service meteorologists.

Zoom out: This likely won't be the last time Texans hear of increased demand this summer.

• ERCOT released its summer seasonal assessment last month, projecting how much energy the power grid will have and need from June to September.
• Officials predicted peak demand will reach 82,739 megawatts this summer, above last year's high of nearly 80,0000.

• The grid operator projects having 97,000 megawatts of energy available during peak demand.

Of note: One megawatt is enough electricity to power about 200 homes on a summer day.

Flashback: Mass power outages during a February 2021 winter storm led to hundreds of deaths and property damage totaling nearly $200 billion, according to an after-action report.

• ERCOT officials asked Texans to conserve energy last summer, when the grid set 11 all-time peak-demand records.

Be prepared: What to do if you lose power in the summer heat