Energy Dept. directs data centers to use backup generators during heat wave, freeing up power for AC
During a severe heatwave, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright directed data centers and other large electricity customers in the mid-Atlantic, particularly those served by PJM, to utilize their backup power supplies. This directive aims to free up public grid electricity for residential air conditioning, as the region experiences high temperatures and increased energy demand. While intended to alleviate grid strain, the use of fossil-fuel-powered backup generators will increase local pollution.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued a directive for data centers and other large electricity customers in the mid-Atlantic to switch to their backup power supplies. The order, targeting entities served by PJM, the nation's largest electrical grid operator, aims to conserve electricity from the public grid for residential air conditioning during a dangerous heatwave gripping major East Coast cities.
The PJM region, home to the world's largest cluster of data centers in Virginia, has experienced electricity price spikes due to the data centers' high energy consumption. New York City, which is not part of the PJM grid, also faced power outages with over 15,000 Con Edison customers affected, prompting Mayor Zohran Mamdani to urge residents to conserve energy.
While using backup generators will alleviate strain on the main grid, the Energy Department acknowledges that this will likely lead to increased pollution and air quality issues near the data centers, as many of these generators run on gas or diesel. The PJM region also lacks sufficient large-scale battery storage compared to other data center-heavy states like Texas and California, limiting options for managing peak demand.