In-brief analysis
August 3, 2026
Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, EIA-930, Hourly Electric Grid Monitor
Note: ERCOT=Electric Reliability Council of Texas
Hourly peak load in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the regional transmission organization serving most of Texas, reached a record 91.1 gigawatts (GW) on July 22, 2026, according to data reported to us for our Hourly Electric Grid Monitor.
Set against the backdrop of growing U.S. electricity demand:
- The July 22 peak was 6% greater than the previous peak of 85.5 GW, set on August 10, 2023 according to ERCOT.
- The July 22 peak occurred at 6:00 p.m. CT and was primarily met with generation from natural gas (48%) and solar (32%) resources according to data reported to us.
- The peak occurred during a heat wave and could be surpassed again this summer, especially if Texas experiences another heat wave. Electricity demand and generation in ERCOT have been increasing in Texas.
- More recently, electricity demand in the Southwest Power Pool reached a record 57.9 GW on July 27 at 5:00 p.m. CT.
- In regions with increasing electricity demand and generation, periods of high demand, such as heat waves, are likely to continue to set records.
Principal contributor: Alex Mey
