DOE taps backup generators to ease grid strain during heat wave

As a brutal heat wave drives air-conditioning use, Energy Secretary directs mid-Atlantic data centers served by PJM to run on backup generators instead of drawing power from the grid, freeing capacity for residents. DOE estimates more than 35 GW of available backup generation nationwide; New York City is not part of PJM. While this can relieve grid stress, it raises emissions and air-quality concerns, and the PJM region has fewer large batteries to store peak energy.