Blackout risk rises as heatwave stresses largest US electric grids
Summary
A severe heatwave is increasing the risk of power outages across many US states from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic. Energy authorities have taken steps to prepare backup power and warn customers to reduce electricity use to avoid blackouts.Key Facts
- Intense heat is raising the chance of power blackouts in parts of the US including cities like Washington DC, Chicago, and St. Louis.
- The Department of Energy warned about potential blackouts in the PJM Interconnection grid, which serves 67 million people.
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright allowed PJM to use backup power resources to prevent blackouts before declaring an emergency.
- PJM issued a “maximum generation emergency” alert, asking power plants on planned outages to be ready to restart quickly.
- The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) expects electricity demand to near record levels, about 121 gigawatts.
- MISO increased reserves to manage possible power plant problems or transmission issues.
- Some local utilities, like the Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative in Missouri, asked customers to unplug unused devices and raise thermostat settings to save electricity.
- Temperatures in affected areas were expected to go above 90°F (32°C) during peak demand times.
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