(The Epoch Times)—PJM Interconnection, the nation’s largest electric grid operator, said it has implemented a series of emergency preparedness measures as extreme heat drives electricity demand toward record levels across its 13-state service territory.
The grid operator issued a Hot Weather Alert through July 3, along with Maximum Generation, Load Management and Low Voltage alerts for Wednesday as it works to maintain reliable service during the heat wave.
PJM said the alerts do not require action from residential customers but are designed to maximize available power supplies by postponing generator maintenance, preparing demand response programs, and increasing transmission system capability.
PJM is forecasting peak electricity demand of 166,304 megawatts on July 2, which would exceed its previous summer record of 165,563 megawatts set in 2006.
PJM also said it recalled maintenance outages last week to return more generating units to service and obtained emergency approval from the U.S. Department of Energy to, if necessary, curtail data centers and other large customers with backup generation before resorting to voltage reductions or customer outages.
The Energy Department also granted temporary relief from certain environmental permit restrictions for power plants through July 3.
Virginia, which is in PJM’s service area, has become the epicenter of the nation’s data center boom and the resulting surge in electricity demand. According to the Pew Research Center, the state has 398 operating data centers—more than any other state—with another 287 planned.
PJM also took several additional steps to bolster grid reliability before the heat wave arrived. On June 25, the grid operator issued a Maintenance Outage Recall, asking generators that were offline for scheduled maintenance to return to service to increase available power supplies.
PJM also obtained two emergency orders from the U.S. Department of Energy. One allows transmission operators, as a last resort before voltage reductions or customer outages, to curtail data centers and other large electricity users with backup generation. The second temporarily relaxes certain environmental permit restrictions so additional generating units can operate through July 3.
The National Weather Service warned that dangerous, potentially record-breaking heat will persist across much of the central and eastern United States through the Independence Day holiday weekend.
Heat index values are expected to top 100 degrees in many areas, with some locations experiencing “feels like” temperatures as high as 115 degrees. The agency urged residents to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, check on vulnerable neighbors, and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
The prolonged heat increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
