Texas Faces Power Supply Crisis Amid Heatwave... Samsung Semiconductor Plant Also on Alert

Power Usage Increases Amid Over 40-Degree Heatwave
September 6 Sets Record for Highest Electricity Demand in History

The state of Texas in the United States is facing a power crisis as it endures nearly three months of heatwaves with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Concerns are growing over the current power situation, which has led to the declaration of a state of emergency, especially since global companies like Samsung Electronics experienced factory shutdowns during the massive winter blackout in 2021.

According to the Associated Press and other sources on the 7th (local time), the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which operates the Texas power grid, declared an energy emergency for two consecutive days on the 6th and 7th and entered an emergency operating mode. ERCOT reported that on the 6th, Texas's power demand reached 82,705 MW, marking the highest demand ever recorded in September. This figure is close to the all-time peak demand record of 85,435 MW set on the 10th of last month.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

ERCOT issues emergency alerts in three stages when the power grid’s reserve capacity becomes insufficient. If power conditions improve, the emergency status may be lifted. On the 6th, ERCOT issued and then lifted an emergency alert, but reissued it on the 7th and announced it would maintain the alert until 9 p.m. on the 8th.

Pablo Vegas, CEO of ERCOT, explained the emergency situation by stating, "This occurred because the operating reserve of the power grid decreased due to high electricity demand, low wind power generation, and reduced solar power generation during sunset hours."

In Texas, the surge in power demand is causing difficulties for authorities in managing the power grid. The power shortage in Texas has been caused by a heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius since mid-June. This summer, Texas has broken its peak power demand record more than ten times. Even this month, the heat has not subsided, with most areas including Austin still recording temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius.

ERCOT repeatedly urged residents on the 7th to conserve electricity from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., citing tight power supply. ERCOT announced, "Although it is not currently an emergency situation, there is a possibility of insufficient reserve power due to continued high temperatures and high power demand through the afternoon and evening, as well as reduced wind and solar power generation."

Companies operating factories in Texas are closely monitoring the power situation. In February 2021, a winter storm caused a massive blackout in Texas, leading to successive factory shutdowns. The AP reported that this ERCOT emergency declaration is the first since 2021. Notably, Samsung Electronics, which operates a semiconductor factory in Austin, reportedly suffered losses amounting to approximately 400 billion won after power supply was cut off for about three days in 2021, halting factory operations.

ERCOT stated, "The emergency order was issued to maintain the reliability of the bulk power system," expressing concern that the emergency situation expected from the current heatwave-induced power overload could cause power outages for local residents and businesses.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.