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U.S. Department of Energy Declares Grid Emergency as Heat Wave Hits 30 States
The declaration directs grid operators to conserve power and prevent blackouts through Friday. Heat indices are forecast to reach 110-113 degrees across major cities during the July Fourth weekend.
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The U.S. Department of Energy declared an energy emergency Tuesday to address record electricity demand expected during a multi-day heat wave affecting 30 states. The alert covers the PJM Interconnection, which supplies power to about 65 million customers across Washington, D.C., and 13 states.
m. m. Friday. PJM forecasts peak demand of 166,304 megawatts on Thursday, exceeding the record set in 2006. Officials said the measures aim to keep hospitals and other essential facilities operating.
The New York Independent System Operator and the Midcontinent Independent System Operator each said they expect demand near or above previous records. ISO-New England reported it anticipates Thursday peak demand of 25,850 megawatts, below its 2006 record.
A University of Houston energy official told ABC News that residential air conditioning will drive most of the load and that nighttime temperatures will offer little relief for maintenance. The same official noted that some utilities may need to implement localized rolling blackouts if demand exceeds supply.
ISO-New England said it has tools to balance supply and demand and remains in contact with neighboring grids.
