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US power grid operator calls for energy saving amid heatwave
🇩🇪 Germany /Energy & Infrastructure

US power grid operator calls for energy saving amid heatwave

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • The largest U.S. power grid operator, PJM, has issued an energy-saving alert due to a severe heatwave straining electricity networks.
  • The grid operator is asking customers to reduce power consumption, citing power plant outages and overloaded transmission lines.
  • Record temperatures are expected to continue through the weekend, coinciding with U.S. Independence Day celebrations, and are linked to climate change.

The largest U.S. power grid operator, PJM, has issued an urgent warning and called for reduced electricity consumption as a severe heatwave grips the central and eastern United States. The company, which serves approximately 67 million people across the East Coast, South, and Washington D.C. metropolitan area, instructed regional suppliers to limit power delivery to customers who have contractually agreed to reduce usage during emergencies.

The company instructed regional suppliers to limit power delivery to customers who have contractually agreed to reduce usage during emergencies.

— PJMThe power grid operator announced measures to manage the energy shortage.

PJM attributed the strain on the grid to several factors, including power plant failures, heavily overloaded transmission lines, and a significant increase in air conditioner use. This situation is particularly acute in Northern Virginia, home to a high density of data centers, where wholesale electricity prices have surged to over $2,000 per megawatt-hour this week, a stark contrast to the usual $40 outside of crisis periods.

The grid operator is asking customers to reduce power consumption, citing power plant outages and overloaded transmission lines.

— PJMThe operator explained the reasons for the energy-saving alert.

Analysts suggest the price spike is largely due to the high costs associated with transmitting electricity over the congested high-voltage lines. The intense heatwave is impacting areas across the country's heartland and eastern regions. Meteorologists predict temperatures could feel as high as 46 degrees Celsius (115 degrees Fahrenheit) due to high humidity over the weekend, a period when the U.S. is scheduled to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding with numerous outdoor events.

The wholesale price for electricity in the north of the state of Virginia, where the world's largest density of data centers is located, rose this week to over 2,000 US dollars (almost 1,750 euros) per megawatt hour.

— Die ZeitThe article highlighted the dramatic increase in electricity costs in a key region.

Adding to the concern, a research group has stated that the intensity of the current U.S. heatwave is unequivocally linked to climate change. The extreme temperatures are posing a significant challenge to energy infrastructure and public safety during a critical national holiday.

The intensity of the heatwave in the USA is clearly related to climate change.

— Research groupAn assessment linking the extreme weather event to global warming.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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