Texas Grid Reaches Record 91 GW as Energy Demand Surges

The US Energy Information Administration reported that the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) reached a record hourly peak electricity demand of 91.1 gigawatts (GW) on July 22, 2026, surpassing the previous record of 85.5 GW set in 2023. The peak occurred at 6:00 p.m. CT during a heat wave, with electricity generation coming mainly from natural gas (48%) and solar (32%).

The record reflects rising electricity demand across Texas and the broader US power grid. ERCOT’s peak could be exceeded again during future heat waves, while the Southwest Power Pool also recently set a record demand of 57.9 GW on July 27, 2026. Growing demand and extreme weather conditions are increasing pressure on power systems to maintain a reliable electricity supply.

500 GW Demand? Texas Official Sounds Alarm on Data Center Growth

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller warns that rapid data center growth is straining Texas’ power grid, water supplies, and farmland. He says planned projects could add more than 500 GW of demand after the state’s grid hit a record 91 GW surge. Miller is calling for new rules, a possible moratorium, and incentives to build on less productive land.