Operator warns of record power demand as heat continues

PJM, an electric power grid operator overseeing a grid that serves 13 states, including Ohio, issued a warning that electricity demand was projected to reach near-record levels over several days due to a severe heatwave. The company stated that temperatures were expected to hit highs not seen since 2014.

In response to the anticipated strain on the grid, PJM secured assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy. This approval enables local utilities within the PJM service area to instruct data centers and other high-load customers to activate backup generation systems if necessary. The measure aims to prevent widespread outages for residential and other essential customers.

PJM also activated its Pre-Emergency Demand Response program, which compensates customers, including large industrial users, for reducing their electricity consumption during critical periods. PJM spokesman Dan Lockwood explained that this program has been a long-standing tool for managing demand during extreme weather events.

The article also addressed criticism regarding data centers' potential to overload the power grid. The Ohio Public Utilities Commission noted on its website that the rise of artificial intelligence has significantly increased the size, complexity, and electricity demands of data centers. However, the commission also referenced a Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory report indicating that data centers accounted for only 4.4% of total U.S. electricity consumption in 2023.