This heat is putting the electric grid under a real-world stress test.

Why it matters: Successive summer heat waves are forcing utilities in Texas and beyond to rethink how they prepare the grid for longer and more frequent periods of extreme stress — and the AI-driven electricity boom.

State of play: Heat waves create a double challenge by increasing electricity demand for air conditioning while reducing the efficiency of some power plants.

Zoom in: Texas has become one of the nation's biggest proving grounds for grid modernization since the deadly 2021 winter storm exposed major weaknesses.

• The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which operates most of the state's grid, has since handled record seasonal demand with the help of rapid battery expansion, mandatory weatherization, improved forecasting and expanded demand response.

Yes, but: ERCOT told state lawmakers that statewide electric demand will reach about 175,000 megawatts by 2032 — almost double the record number that was set last month.

Between the lines: "Texas has been enormously proactive" in building transmission and adding solar, wind and batteries, retired UC Berkeley electrical engineering professor Sascha von Meier tells Axios.

• But rapid growth in electricity demand from AI data centers is creating a new challenge, she says.

Zoom out: A growing number of U.S. utilities are linking home batteries, solar panels and EV chargers through software to virtual power plants that can supply electricity or reduce demand during periods of grid stress.

Speaking of heat, North Texas has had 20 days at or above 100 degrees so far this year, per the National Weather Service.

• The region also hasn't recorded any measurable rainfall in nearly a month.

Why it matters: The prolonged heat is driving up electric bills in the hottest stretch of the year. The lack of rain is exacerbating the risk of wildfires.

Stunning stat: July 15 was the last day of rain at DFW Airport, with around 0.07 inches recorded.

State of play: North Texas usually tallies 20 days at or above 100 degrees every summer, National Weather Service meteorologist Tom Bradshaw tells Axios.

• With more 100-degree days forecast over the next week, the region is expected to surpass the norm "a fair amount," he says.
• August, which normally gets .67 inches of rain, has been extra dry this year. The airport only got a trace of rain on Aug. 9 and it wasn't enough to move the month's running total past zero.

What's next: The region is expected to go without rain for at least the next seven days, and maybe even beyond that, Bradshaw says.

• "It is going to be dry, unfortunately. I wish I had better news," Bradshaw says.

The upside: Most of the Axios Dallas readers who guessed how many 100-degree days our region would see this year are still in the running because of their high counts.

The Public Utility Commission of Texas has several tips on its website for minimizing your energy use, including maintaining the weather stripping of your doors and windows, using large appliances during off-peak hours and replacing HVAC air filters regularly.

Yes, but: Surely, there's more that can be done. What do you do to keep your electric bill as low as possible during the summer?

• Feel free to send tips for apartments and single-family homes. Unhinged recs are always welcome. We don't judge.

What's next: Submit your recommendations through the survey here and we will share the responses in a future newsletter.

🚨 A state trooper fatally shot a man suspected of stealing a Fort Worth ambulance, driving it to Austin and "intentionally ramming" cars on I-35, authorities say. (WFAA)

🏀 Steve Nash, Gregg Popovich and Tim Hardaway were among the NBA legends who attended a celebration of life yesterday in Preston Hollow for former Mavericks coach and NBA player Don Nelson. (NBC5)

🥾 A $2 million federal grant will support building out the Five Mile Creek Greenbelt project to connect several parts of Oak Cliff with a 17-mile trail. (KERA)

👋🏽 Naheed here. I stayed up way past bedtime on Wednesday to catch the Perseids meteor shower.

The intrigue: My husband, friends and I drove 30 minutes to the Denton County town of Lakewood Village for our meteoric adventure, inspired by the town's designation as an international dark sky community.

The verdict: We probably should have gone elsewhere. After struggling to find a pitch dark area near Lakewood Village Park, we settled on a patch of grass in a neighborhood off Lewisville Lake nearby.

Yes, but: While laying on picnic blankets, our group marveled at the hundreds of bright stars before us and caught a handful of meteors sizzle across the sky in the span of an hour. Exhilarating!

• Here's an iPhone photo from our excursion, a reminder to always consider the big picture as you navigate the challenges that life brings you.

What's next: Tonight through Sunday, Venus will appear as the brightest "star" in the evening sky 30-60 minutes after sunset. Have a great weekend!