NEWS
ERCOT releases preliminary long-term load forecast for 2026-2032
(Austin, TX) — In compliance with new Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) requirements established by the Texas Legislature, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. (ERCOT) today filed a preliminary Long-Term Load Forecast for the years 2026–2032. The forecast will be discussed at the PUCT Open Meeting on April 17, 2026.
The current forecast projects approximately 367,790 MW of demand in the ERCOT Region by 2032. For context, ERCOT’s all-time peak demand is 85,508 MW, recorded on August 10, 2023. The difference between near-term expectations and the 2032 figure reflects Texas’ continued strong economic growth, with new load being added to the ERCOT System faster and in greater amounts than ever before.
“Texas is experiencing exceptional growth and development, which is reshaping how large load demand is identified, verified, and incorporated into long-term planning,” said ERCOT President and CEO Pablo Vegas. “As a result of a changing landscape, we believe this forecast to be higher than expected future load growth. We look forward to working with the PUCT on potential adjustments to refine how ERCOT ascertains the most accurate information for load forecasting and ensuring the system reliably and efficiently serves Texans.”
This forecast is a preliminary snapshot that informs various aspects of ERCOT transmission planning and resource adequacy reporting and is not a prediction of what will be built. It is developed from several pieces of data – including ERCOT’s base economic forecast and information provided by transmission and distribution companies who work directly with medium (25 MW – 74.9 MW) and large (75 MW and above) load customers across the state. Large load customers reflect load types such as data centers, cryptocurrency mining, industrial, and oil and gas processes.
View the preliminary Long-Term Load Forecast filing in PUCT Project 58777. For additional information, view ERCOT’s presentation for the upcoming April Board of Directors meeting at ercot.com.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8558 hosted ceremonies for Memorial Day on Monday in Nocona. A rifle team presented a salute and there was a cannon demonstration.
The 2026 swim season is ready to open on June 1 at the City of Bowie pool and the summer fun continues through Aug. 1.
Free Splash day is 1 to 6 p.m. on June 1.
Pool admission is $3. Hours are 1 to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday and 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday.
A pool pass is $60 for a city resident and $70 for a non-resident. A family pool pass is $115 for up to three people and $5 for each additional member.
Water aerobics begins June 8, Monday-Thursday 6 to 7 p.m. Cost is $2.
Swim lessons will be two sessions in July: July 6-10 and July 13-17, 10:30 to 11 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Cost is $30 per person ages three and up. Call the pool office at 872-1068 to register.
Ice chests are allowed but no glass containers. Floaties are allowed, but not in the deep end. No alcohol allowed. The city pool is located at 1601 E. Wise Street.
Summer recreation
The free Summer recreation program is open to kids kindergarten through age 15 is 8:30 a.m. to noon on June 8-July 3.
Permission slips must be filled out the first day. There will be many activities throughout the month like softball, dodgeball, kickball, flag football, soccer, tennis, basketball, relay races, circle games, arts and crafts, music and swimming. The community center gym also will be used. Youngsters should not come just for swimming.
Children should wear tennis shoes only. Drop children at the pavilion behind the pool at 8:30 a.m. and pick them up at noon each day.
Once a child arrives he/she is not allowed to go to the store or home without prior permission. A child should bring something in which to keep money or personal items. There is a concession stand with drinks and snacks to purchase. Come cool off at the pool.
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Montague County Commissioners met Tuesday for a brief post-holiday meeting.
The court had changed the date due to the Memorial Day holiday on May 25. During public comments, County Judge Kevin Benton said the county has gone through yet another Memorial Day where the county military memorial has still not been repaired.
“I can tell you I will do all I can to not let another Memorial Day pass without it,” said Benton.
The county veterans’ marker, that features names submitted for local veterans of all the nation’s wars, was damaged in March 2025.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
Top photo – Shattered panels in March 2025. (Bowie News photos)
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