During the heat wave earlier this month, the national electric grid generated a historic 100,996 gigwatt-hours, reaching 20 percent higher than average demand.
U.S. electric output hit an all-time high earlier this month, surpassing 100,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) for the first time ever, according to data released today by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI). Output for the week of June 28-July 4, 2026, reached 100,996 GWh, breaking the previous record of 99,445 GWh set nearly four years ago (July 17-23, 2022). In the past 12 months, U.S. electric output totaled 4,346,875 GWh — up 2.3 percent from the previous year.
The record 100,996 GWh is roughly 22 percent above the average U.S. weekly generation level. That’s nearly twice the amount of electricity New York City uses in an entire year, delivered by America’s grid in just seven days.
The record was set as a punishing heat dome pushed triple-digit temperatures and heat indices as high as 115°F across much of the central and eastern United States, placing more than 200 million Americans under extreme heat alerts and driving air-conditioning use to seasonal highs.
If you’re following energy issues, be sure to check out The Briefing Room, a new limited series from the Conduit Street Podcast. Airing Tuesdays this summer, the series breaks down complex topics over several weeks through conversations with key decision-makers shaping Maryland’s policy landscape. Our first five episodes focus on energy: from grid reliability and generation challenges to local siting concerns and rising demand. The Briefing Room offers county leaders and policy watchers a clear, accessible look at the issues driving Maryland’s public policy landscape.
