Extreme heat tests US power grid as AI data centers push energy demand
TL;DR
A major US heatwave is expected to push electricity use to near-record levels this week, straining grids operated by PJM Interconnection, NYISO, and MISO. Officials warn that demand is rising faster than new supply, a gap amplified by hyperscale AI data centers—concentrated in northern Virginia—that increase energy use and contribute to a data heat island effect. Health advisories accompany the forecast, with peak demand around 166.3 gigawatts projected for Thursday evening as temperatures climb above 38 C across much of the eastern half of the country.
- US heatwave to test power grid amid soaring AI-driven energy demand Al Jazeera
- Emergency Ordered for Largest US Power Grid as Record Heat Nears Bloomberg.com
- Hot Weather Alerts Issued for June 29 to July 3 Ahead of Expected Heat Wave PJM Inside Lines
- Amid high heat, power demand in PJM territory could set records Maryland Matters
- Extreme Heat is Coming. The Electric Grid and Data Centers Could See Strains. Barron's
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