The head of the state’s power grid operator said Tuesday that Texas is ready for the hotter temperatures in the months ahead.

ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas told board members the riskiest time will be in August from 8 to 10 p.m. due to hotter temperatures and also the increased reliance on renewables.

Vegas said since the previous year, which saw the second-hottest summer on record, the grid’s added new generation, including more than nine gigawatts of solar and battery storage, 1.5 gigawatts of wind and 146 megawatts of natural gas.

ERCOT estimates that’s enough to power 2 million more homes. Ed Hirs, an Energy Fellow at the University of Houston, is skeptical.

“It was just two weeks ago that [Vegas] said that we had a 16% opportunity of going into emergency alerts and preparing for conservation and a 12% chance of rolling blackouts,” Hirs said. “So, these statements don’t line up."

Hirs says the state needs more plants it can quickly turn on, known as dispatchable power. However, Hirs warns natural gas plants built today could take five years to come online.

Looking at June, July and August, the city could experience temps between 105-110 degrees, with the first 100-degree day expected to occur in early June. For context, the average first and last days of 100-degree weather are July 4 and August 30.

Tips To Beat The Heat:

Stay ahead of hydration
Know that alcohol and caffeine dehydrate you
Get your body ready
Head to the pool
Find shade
Wear lightweight, light-colored, breathable clothing
Avoid being outside
Don't leave pets or kids in cars
Wear sunscreen - at least SPF 30
Use cooling centers
Stay indoors during the heat of the day
Check on neighbors and friends

How can I save money while running my air conditioning?

Use a programmable or smart thermostat.
Start a fan club.
Change your AC filter regularly.
Keep vents clear.
Check your insulation and weather stripping.
Close doors and vents of rooms you're not using.
Cut your electric bill elsewhere.
Keep your AC maintained and healthy.

What can I do to maintain my air conditioner?

Change or clean the air filter every month.
Keep leaves, shrubbery and other debris at least 18 inches away from the outdoor unit to avoid blocking the airflow. Don't cover the condenser coil outside to make your house look prettier. Cooler is more important.
If you have an outdoor drain, keep it clear and unclogged.

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