Load Growth Dominates Discussions at GCPA’s Spring Conference

James Downing | Source: RTO Insider | Posted 04/21/2025

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HOUSTON — Texas has shown itself as capable as any state of building big things. And ERCOT is the one organized market that saw demand growth over the past two decades as it benefited from population shifts to the Sun Belt and booming industry.

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The Gulf Coast Power Association's recent Spring Conference highlighted the significant load growth in Texas, particularly within the ERCOT market, which has seen demand increase due to population shifts and industrial expansion. Current forecasts suggest that the peak demand could triple by the end of the decade, driven by large loads from data centers, cryptocurrency mining, and hydrogen production. However, industry experts caution that these forecasts should be approached with skepticism, as many planned projects may not materialize.

Discussions at the conference also focused on the challenges of integrating large loads into the grid, with ERCOT working on new rules to accommodate demands of 75 MW and above. The need for expanded transmission infrastructure was emphasized, as existing lines may not support the anticipated load growth. Additionally, while there is a push for more renewable energy generation, the market currently lacks sufficient incentives for new gas plants, leading to a disconnect between supply and demand. Overall, the conference underscored the complexities of planning for Texas's energy future amidst rapid growth and evolving market dynamics.

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Load Growth Dominates Discussions at GCPA’s Spring Conference

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