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EIA Estimates Record U.S. Electric Generating Capacity Additions in 2026, with Solar in the Lead

LCG, February 20, 2026--The EIA today issued an "in-brief analysis" that estimates U.S. power plant developers and operators plan to complete a record installation of 86 GW of new, utility-scale electric generating capacity that is connected to the U.S. power grid in 2026. Last year, 53 GW of new capacity was added to the grid, which was the largest capacity installation in a single year since 2002. Thus the estimate of 86 GW of new capacity in 2026 is a whopping 33 GW greater than the year prior. It should be noted that over 20 GW of the 86 GW of new capacity this year is estimated to be completed in December.

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Enhanced Geothermal Systems May Drive Significant Growth in Geothermal Power Generation

LCG, February 19, 2026--The EIA released an "in-brief analysis" today regarding the expected completion of the first, large-scale commercial enhanced geothermal system (EGS) in June 2026, and the significant growth potential for year-round, 24x7, carbon-free, renewable EGS power generation in the United States.

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Industry News

AEP, Power Agency to Expand Texas Grid

LCG, May 24, 2001American Electric Power Co. and the Lower Colorado River Authority yesterday reached a tentative agreement to spend $500 million over the next five year to expand the electric power transmission system service southwestern Texas.

The program, which will require approval by the Public Utilities Commission of Texas, is aimed at improving capacity on the system to accommodate 27 new power plants that will add 14,000 megawatts of generation to the Texas grid in the next few years.

The joint venture, which was approved by the LCRA's directors yesterday, expects to have a final agreement in place next month. Robert Cullick, a spokesman for the LCRA, said "We expect to have a final negotiated contract in June and hope to start construction on specific projects by the end of the summer."

In an assessment of transmission systems earlier this year, the North American Electric Reliability Council said Texas' transmission grid, though in better shape than those in California and New England, was in need of improvement. Cullick agreed, saying "There are some bottlenecks. By expanding existing lines and building new ones we hope to relieve some of these bottlenecks."

In addition to expanding capacity on existing lines and building new ones, the program calls for upgrading substations, adding new connections and making other improvements.

Under the joint venture between AEP and LCRA, the Authority will own the new facilities and AEP will operate and maintain them. Because of its tax-exempt status, LCRA will be able to finance the improvements at lower cost than could a private company.

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