This summer, three of the nation’s largest electric grids set new peak electricity demand records:

• PJM, which operates the grid serving New Jersey and 12 other states, reached a record 162.6 gigawatts on July 2.
• Texas’ ERCOT system reached 91.1 gigawatts,
• The Southwest Power Pool peaked at 58 gigawatts.

All three surpassed records set within the last three years:

But the records themselves tell only part of the story. During the peak hour in each region, natural gas was the largest source of electricity generation:

• 43.3% of PJM demand
• 47.4% of ERCOT demand
• 44% of Southwest Power Pool demand

When electricity demand reached its highest point this summer, natural gas provided more power than any other resource. That’s important because peak demand is when the electric grid faces its greatest test. Electricity must be available when families turn up their air conditioners, businesses are operating and every part of the system is being pushed at once. It is easy to talk about preferred energy sources when demand is lower. The real measure of an energy system is whether it can keep delivering when demand reaches a new record. Natural gas did exactly that this summer.

These records also reinforce a reality that policymakers cannot afford to ignore: America needs more energy. Population growth, economic development, manufacturing, electrification and data centers are all increasing electricity demand. Greater efficiency can help manage some of that growth, but it will not make the demand disappear. We need to build more generation, strengthen transmission infrastructure and preserve the dependable resources already supporting the grid. That means recognizing the value of natural gas, nuclear energy and other sources capable of producing electricity whenever it is needed.

New Jersey cannot meet growing demand by restricting supply, delaying projects or pretending the numbers will eventually move in the other direction. Whether people like it or not, electricity demand is growing. The record books are making that clear. Our energy policies need to recognize reality and start building accordingly.