ERCOT says winter/spring power outlook good

The operator of the state's biggest electricity grid says it should have plenty of capacity to meet winter demand. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas said it anticipates peak demand of 58,000 megawatts, vs. 74,200 in projected supply. ERCOT's all-time winter peak demand is 57,315 megawatts on Feb. 10, 2011. That came toward the end of a cold snap that included an ice storm that snarled Super Bowl festivities in Arlington and the rest of the Metroplex. ERCOT experienced rolling blackouts Feb. 2 during the frigid weather after several generators went down with cold-related equipment problems. ERCOT also said a preliminary forecast "anticipates sufficient generation resources during March through May 2013.

-- Jim Fuquay