Weather & Science

Texas Power Prices Signal Grid Stress in Another Long, Hot Summer

  • August prices for Dallas hit an 82% premium from a year ago
  • Grid operator Ercot issues power warning for next week

Repairs to an air conditioning unit in Austin, Texas.

Photographer: Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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A surge in Texas power prices for August suggests another summer of heavy electricity demand — and potential grid strain — to meet air-conditioning needs.

Traders start looking at prices months in advance to gauge the outlook for demand.