PJM, ERCOT and SWPP set summer 2026 hourly electricity-load records
EIA reported peak hourly loads of 162.6 GW, 91.1 GW and 58.0 GW, respectively, for the three regional operators.
Event / data period: 2026-07
Published: · Updated:
PJM, ERCOT and the Southwest Power Pool (SWPP) each set a record for hourly peak load during summer 2026, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported. Based on Form EIA-930 data, PJM reached 162.6 gigawatts (GW) on July 2, 1.3% above its previous 160.6-GW record; ERCOT reached 91.1 GW on July 22, 6.5% above its prior 85.5-GW record; and SWPP reached 58.0 GW on July 27, 3.5% above its previous 56.0-GW record.
These are separate regional transmission-organization peaks, not a single national electricity-demand measure. EIA says the figures are reported through Form EIA-930 and represent each day's highest hourly load. The agency said most of the peaks occurred during regional heat waves, when cooling demand increased.
Data
Regional grid operators’ summer 2026 peak loads
Highest hourly loads reported by EIA from Form EIA-930 data, compared with prior records. These are not national totals.
| PJM | July 2, 2026 | 162.6 | 160.6 | 1.3 |
| ERCOT | July 22, 2026 | 91.1 | 85.5 | 6.5 |
| Southwest Power Pool (SWPP) | July 27, 2026 | 58 | 56 | 3.5 |
Methodology
EIA reports the highest hourly load for each day. GW values apply to each regional operator’s service area; percentage changes are EIA’s comparisons with prior records.
Updated:
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