Dive Brief:

• Electric use in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) region increased 2.1% last year over 2012 to 324.8 million MWh, according to the grid operator.
• Peak demand increased about 1% to 67,245 MW, but was below the record of 68,305 MW set in 2011.
• Coal generation increased to 37.2% of the overall energy mix, up from 33.8% in 2012. Natural gas-fired generation fell to 40.5% from 44.6%.
• Wind generation increased to 9.9% from 9.2% last year (up from 4.9% in 2008).

Dive Insight:

Texas is one of the bright spots in the country for demand growth. Like in other areas, natural gas-fired generation dipped last year as gas prices increased. Wind continues to make gains in Texas, already surpassing state requirements, and, with various large wind farms under construction, will keep growing.