Energy Department Orders Data Centers to Tap Backup Power
The U.S. Energy Department is ordering data centers to use backup generators to prevent large-scale blackouts during a record-breaking heat wave.
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The brief
Federal authorities and grid operator PJM have implemented emergency measures to protect the U.S. power grid from extreme heat. The Energy Department has directed data centers to utilize backup power generators to reduce their drain on the grid and prioritize electricity for air conditioning. Coverage from Reuters, CNBC, and CNN emphasizes the threat of large-scale outages and the potential for a new peak demand record.
OilPrice.com reports that power prices on PJM have tripled as heat wave demands collide with data center usage. CNN further notes that thousands in the NYC area are already without power. Attention remains on whether these emergency steps can prevent blackouts and how the heat wave will impact July 4 travel.
Additionally, coverage from Yahoo highlights local concerns regarding pollution from the increased use of backup generators.
Synthesized by Archynetys from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 2h ago.
Quick answers
Why is the Energy Department intervening with data centers?
The department wants data centers to use backup generators to free up power for air conditioning and prevent blackouts during high demand.
What has happened to power prices on PJM?
According to OilPrice.com, power prices on PJM have tripled due to the heat wave and data center demand.
Which regions are specifically mentioned as being affected?
Coverage mentions the Northeast, the NYC area, and Maryland.
Coverage (13)
- Power Prices Triple on PJM as Heat Wave and Data Centers Collide Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com · 1d ago
- Heat wave prompts federal blackout warning including in Maryland WBAL-TV · 1d ago
- Grid operator PJM orders emergency steps to avoid large-scale US power outages Reuters · 1d ago
- Feds: Data centers must use generators to preserve power, prevent blackouts during heat wave demand WRAL · 1d ago
- Extreme heat wave threatens U.S. power grids and July 4 travel CNBC · 1d ago
- Extreme heat wave threatens U.S. power grids and July 4 travel CNBC · 1d ago
- PJM anticipates new peak demand record as heat wave tests power grid Utility Dive · 1d ago
- PJM Power Grid Mobilizes Against Heat Wave Stress Devdiscourse · 1d ago
- Searing heat wave is nearing peak in the Northeast, thousands in NYC area without power CNN · 1d ago
- Energy Dept. directs data centers to use backup generators during heat wave, freeing up power for AC CNN · 1d ago
- Energy Department Wants Data Centers to Stop Draining the Grid During Brutal Heat Wave Gizmodo · 1d ago
- 'We are screwed': People near data centers dread heat wave pollution yahoo.com · 1d ago
- Extreme heat drives record demand threat as America's largest grid prepares emergency measures Fox Business · 1d ago
Topics
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