The U.S. Department of Energy has declared an energy emergency, directing grid operators to take action to prevent blackouts as a widespread heat wave intensifies across the nation. The emergency alert, issued by U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, specifically targets the PJM Interconnections, the largest electrical grid operator in the Mid-Atlantic region.
The declaration, which took effect late Tuesday and runs through Friday evening, mandates PJM to conserve energy. This includes curtailing power to non-essential facilities and data centers that have backup generators. The aim is to ensure essential services, such as hospitals, maintain full functionality during the extreme temperatures.
PJM, which serves approximately 65 million customers across Washington, D.C., and parts of 13 states including Delaware, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, is anticipating record-breaking electricity demand. The grid operator forecasts a peak demand of 166,304 megawatts on Thursday, potentially surpassing the previous record set in 2006. Similar demand spikes are expected from the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) and the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which covers 15 states in the Midwest and South.
The heat wave is forecast to bring prolonged extreme heat to the East Coast, Midwest, and South. Leading into the Fourth of July holiday weekend, heat indices are expected to reach triple digits in major cities like Chicago, New York City, and Philadelphia. The combination of high temperatures and humidity will likely push the perceived temperature to 100-113 degrees Fahrenheit in several urban areas.
Experts warn that the grid is stretched to its limits. "I think we’re going to see peak demand that is going to be a record across different geographical areas," Ramanan Krishnamoorti, vice president of energy and innovation at the University of Houston, told ABC News. He added that the holiday weekend, with many people at home using air conditioning, will significantly increase residential cooling demand, particularly in the afternoon and early evening.
Compounding the strain, nighttime temperatures are not expected to offer significant relief, limiting opportunities for power plants to undergo routine maintenance. Some utilities may be forced to implement rolling blackouts in localized areas to manage the stress on the system. The situation is further complicated by the fact that some regions, like New England, rely on imported electricity from Canada, which is also experiencing its own heat wave, potentially limiting supply.
Despite the challenges, ISO-New England stated it is prepared for the heat wave. A spokesperson noted that while weather events spanning across neighboring regions can limit mutual assistance, they are in close contact with partners in New York and Canada. ISO-New England anticipates its peak demand on Thursday will be below its 2006 record and expects to have sufficient resources, but will be closely monitoring conditions and utilizing available tools to balance supply and demand if necessary.