'Stretched to the limit': Heat wave prompts US electrical grid emergency
Summary
A severe heat wave is affecting 30 states and prompting the U.S. Department of Energy to declare an emergency for the country's electrical grid. The biggest grid operator, PJM Interconnections, is ordered to take steps to avoid blackouts and keep essential services running during this high electricity demand period before the July 4th holiday.Key Facts
- About 160 million people in 30 states face extreme heat alerts.
- The Energy Department issued an emergency for PJM Interconnections, which serves 65 million customers in 13 states and Washington, D.C.
- The emergency lasts from late June 30 to July 3, 2026.
- PJM is asked to reduce power use at data centers with backup generators and other high-energy non-emergency users.
- Electricity demand could reach a record 166,304 megawatts on July 3, surpassing the 2006 peak.
- The heat wave causes dangerous temperatures with heat indices over 100 degrees in many major cities.
- Other grid operators in New York and the Midwest also expect near-record electricity demand.
- The heat wave coincides with the busy July 4th holiday, increasing residential electricity use for cooling homes.
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