ERCOT sets new peak load record at 91.1 gigawatts during Texas heat
ERCOT reported a new hourly peak load of 91.1 gigawatts on July 22, 2026, topping its 2023 record as a heatwave drove air-conditioning demand higher.
ERCOT reached a new hourly peak load of 91.1 gigawatts on July 22, 2026, as Texas heat drove electricity demand above the grid operator’s prior record.
The new high surpassed ERCOT’s earlier peak of 85.5 gigawatts set on Aug. 10, 2023. The source material describes the increase as 6% and says air conditioning was a major driver as temperatures climbed.
The article also places the spike alongside other recent demand records on U.S. regional grids, including a Southwest Power Pool record of 57.9 gigawatts on July 27.
The load was met mainly by natural gas, which accounted for 48% of supply, and solar, which accounted for 32%, according to the source text.
Alex Mey, identified as a principal contributor to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s report, said: “Periods of high demand are likely to continue to set records.”
The piece is written for small businesses and recommends steps to manage power costs during periods of heavy demand, including energy efficiency measures, smart thermostats, shifting heavy usage to off-peak hours, and considering energy-efficient appliances. It also points to solar panels, tax credits and utility incentives as ways to help offset upgrade costs.
Future high-load periods will depend on weather and demand as the Texas summer continues.
Sources
Editorial note: This article was prepared with AI assistance and includes source attribution for reader review.
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