PJM, ERCOT, and SWPP Set New Peak Hourly Load Records This Summer

Three regional transmission organizations—PJM, ERCOT, and SWPP—set new peak hourly load records this past summer, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. PJM peaked at 162.6 GW on July 2, 2026, which is 1.3% higher than its pre-2026 peak of 160.6 GW on June 23, 2025. ERCOT peaked at 91.1 GW on July 22, 2026, a 6.5% increase over its pre-2026 record of 85.5 GW on August 20, 2024. SWPP peaked at 58.0 GW on July 27, 2026, 3.5% higher than its pre-2026 peak of 56.0 GW on August 21, 2023. These peaks largely occurred during regional heat waves amid the hottest summer on record nationally, driving up cooling demand.