DOE declares energy emergency as heat wave threatens U.S. power grid

The U.S. Department of Energy announced an Energy Emergency Alert on Tuesday, directing PJM Interconnection, the largest grid operator in the Mid-Atlantic, to take steps to avoid blackouts as a severe heat wave spreads across the East Coast, Midwest and South. The alert, which runs until Friday night, orders PJM to conserve power by reducing electricity use at data centers with backup generators and other non-essential facilities.

PJM, which serves about 65 million customers in 13 states and Washington, D.C., forecasts a peak demand of 166,304 megawatts on Thursday, potentially surpassing the previous record set in 2006. The New York Independent System Operator and the Midcontinent Independent System Operator also expect demand to approach or exceed their historic highs.

"Maintaining affordable, reliable, and secure power in the PJM service territory is non-negotiable," Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a statement.

Experts warned that the combination of extreme temperatures and the July 4 holiday, when many households will rely heavily on air-conditioning, could strain the grid. Ramanan Krishnamoorti, vice president of energy and innovation at the University of Houston, said the heat wave is likely to push demand to record levels across several regions and could force localized rolling blackouts.

ISO-New England, which supplies power to six New England states, said it expects tight conditions but believes it has sufficient resources to meet demand, projecting a peak of 25,850 megawatts on Thursday, below its 2006 record.

"We anticipate having the resources we need to meet consumer demand and required reserves, but we will be closely monitoring conditions," spokesperson Matthew Kakley said.

The emergency measures aim to keep critical services, such as hospitals, operating while managing the heightened load on the nation’s power infrastructure.