Texas power use breaks record as heat wave hits southern states

Texas power usage hit a preliminary all-time high on Wednesday as sweltering heat continues to bake the state. 

Data from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the Texas power grid operator, showed a measurement of a preliminary 81,112 megawatts. 

That measurement tops the grid's previous record of 80,828 megawatts set on June 27.

Millions of people have been impacted by an oppressive heat wave over the last few weeks. The National Weather Service said Friday would feature some record heat in parts of the Southwest.