Credit: WFAA

Texas buying power from Mexico during record demand

 by JASON WHITELY

Posted on August 2, 2011 at 4:38 PM, Updated today at 4:54 PM

DALLAS — The operator of the state's electric grid said it is purchasing electricity from Mexico and other states as record high temperatures force Texas to set new electricity consumption records.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas initiated an Energy Emergency Alert Level 1 at 2:40 p.m. Tuesday when reserves dropped below 2,300 megawatts, a spokesman said.

 "We are requesting that consumers and businesses reduce their electricity use during peak electricity hours from 3 to 7 p.m. today, particularly between 4 and 5 p.m. when we expect to hit another peak demand record," said Kent Saathoff, vice president of system planning and operations.

For more:

http://www.wfaa.com/news/consumer/Texas-buying-power-from-Mexico-during-record-usage-126615733.html