The severe drought blanketing a portion of the country will intensify this week under a heatwave, and it is certain to have an impact on ag.
In Texas, farmers and ranchers are being asked to conserve electricity through Friday. State regulators say that the grid is prone to failure in the heat, similar to how it failed in February’s deep freeze.
They are asking customers to keep their thermostats at 78 degrees and unplug appliances. The announcement follows the governor signing off on two bills to improve the grid’s reliability.
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller voiced his concerns if the state does not make the ag industry a priority.
“We’ve got to move these agricultural processors up the line. Front line, you know, we have to keep the power on or we’ll see grocery store shelves empty once again.”
Forecasters expect Texas temperatures to rise even further this week, and temperatures could crack the triple digits.
It is a similar situation in California where officials warn power demand could outstrip supply as early as today.
Customers are not being asked to conserve electricity yet, but the excessive heat could stress the grid. Leaders say that people should be prepared to conserve energy to help avoid rotating power outages.
Related:
Drought issues force N. Dakota ranchers to cull herds
Texas electricity prices from winter storm to be lowered by almost $13 billion
Drought conditions in the west may be worse than the 2001 drought