ERCOT Sets New Electricity Demand Records July 2026

ERCOT set new system-wide electricity demand records the week of July 20, 2026.

On July 22, 2026, ERCOT’s system-wide demand exceeded 91,000 MW.

Previous system-wide demand records, according to the ERCOT website, were set on August 10, 2023, reaching 85,508 MW.

Demand for power in Texas is reaching all-time highs as temperatures soar across the state.

The DFW area reached 109° on July 22, 2026, according to AccuWeather.

The good news? The system has plenty of supply to meet that demand thanks to our over 39,000 MW of solar and rapidly increasing power storage capacity.

The grid’s solar panels, combined with our natural gas power plants, provide enough power generation to supply homes and businesses across the state during the day.

In the evening, when solar panel capacity decreases, our utility-scale batteries step up to the plate.

The power storage systems help get the state through a critical time of day when air conditioners are still blasting to keep everyone cool and wind turbines may not be generating yet due to lack of wind.

Written by Graham Lumley

Graham Lumley is Growth Product Manager at BKV Energy, a retail electricity provider in Texas' deregulated market, where he has worked since 2023. He analyzes customer usage and billing data, helps develop BKV's fixed-rate plans, and creates tools to simplify Texas electricity shopping. He has written over 200 articles on Texas electricity rates, delivery charges, plan types, energy generation, and more to help Texans understand their bills and pay less. With over 10 years of experience in consumer, marketing, and energy, he explains the Texas electricity market in plain language.