May 12, 2026Grid
ERCOT Summer 2026 Forecast: Tight Reserves Expected
Reserve margins are forecast to be thin again this summer.
ERCOT's most recent seasonal assessment shows reserve margins remaining tight through the summer of 2026. Conservation alerts are likely on the hottest days, especially during late-afternoon ramp periods.
Homeowners with solar plus battery storage can ride through those periods using their own stored energy, avoiding peak prices entirely. Smart thermostats and time-of-use plans add further savings.
We expect another summer of headlines about grid stress. Building your own resilience is the most reliable answer.