Texas grid braces for record summer demand
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The Texas power grid may experience record electricity demand this summer, per the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).
Why it matters: The demand will test the state's power grid during peak summer heat as electricity use from data centers, crypto operations and other large customers continues to rise.
By the numbers: The grid's load is estimated to peak around 92,200 megawatts this summer, system operations vice president Dan Woodfin told board directors last week.
- That's compared with the previous record summer peak of about 85,500 MW in 2023. Summer demand peaked at 83,700 MW in 2025.
The big picture: ERCOT cited a projected warmer summer than last year and "significant load growth" as the reasons for the record-breaking forecast.
- Crypto farm developers have added about 470 MW of demand to the grid since September 2025, per ERCOT, which expects other large users like data centers to add 1,730 MW in demand through September.
Yes, but: ERCOT says it's prepared for the sweltering summer with enhanced contingency efforts and better tools for monitoring and responding to real-time emergencies.
How it works: ERCOT has the power to sever electricity from certain large users in emergencies under a new law signed by Gov. Greg Abbott last year.
- "We would expect to see a little over 4,000 MW of demand response we typically have with cryptos turning off and other things," Woodfin said of the summer forecast.
The latest: Abbott sent letters to ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission of Texas this week with directives aimed at lowering electricity costs amid the state's data center boom.
- He also outlined several legislative priorities to tighten Texas' regulations for data centers.
- Plus, NRG Energy announced a new 460 MW power plant in northwest Houston this week that can be fired up when demand spikes.