Grid Operator Issues Statement on Power Supplies During Heat Wave

Warned last week that it could not safely meet projected evening peak demand. The federal government responded with a rare emergency order. The shortfall stems from an early-season heat wave coinciding with more than 40 gigawatts of power plant capacity offline for scheduled spring maintenance. C. were identified as areas of particular concern.

U.S. electricity demand. A Consumer Reports survey found that 78 percent of Americans are already concerned that data center growth will drive their energy bills higher. Areas with high concentrations of data centers have seen electricity prices jump 267 percent over the past five years.

U.S. grid subregions, including New England, are now at elevated risk of supply shortfalls during above-normal or extreme heat conditions, according to NERC's 2026 Summer Reliability Assessment. Jackery, a portable power equipment company, stated that households should prepare for possible summer power uncertainty.