Power grid to experience record demand Sunday through Tuesday; Austin under weather watch

The agency that operates Texas' power grid issued a weather watch for Sunday through Tuesday as temperatures soar and forecast energy demand surges.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, issued the watch Friday, signaling a possible dip in operating reserves early in the week. Power capacity is expected to be sufficient to handle forecast demand, according to ERCOT's six-day demand forecast.

More: Can the Texas power grid handle record demand amid this heat wave? ERCOT says yes.

Texas' power grid is expected to experience record-breaking demand for energy throughout the week as people and businesses increase air-conditioning usage to avoid the state's dangerous heat. Energy demand is anticipated to surpass 84,000 megawatts several times, according to latest estimates from ERCOT.

Sunday through Tuesday, highs are forecast to climb to the mid-100s in Austin, according to the National Weather Service, with heat index temperatures topping 112 degrees. A heat advisory is extending until 9 p.m. Saturday.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: ERCOT issues weather watch as Texas energy demand rises