New peak energy demand record set on coldest morning in Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) — As Austin experienced its coldest morning in seven years and the rest of the state saw below-freezing temperatures, people’s use of electricity peaked Wednesday morning and set a new record.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, said it had a “significantly high load” when the energy use peaked at 65,731 MW between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. It says “historically high usage” and low temperatures will cause the peak.
During peak times, ERC