DOE Clears Backup Power Route for Data Centers Amid Heat Wave
Amid a brutal heat wave, the Energy Department authorized PJM to direct large-load customers, including data centers, to rely on their own backup power as a last resort to prevent blackouts, tapping an estimated 35 GW of unused backup generation (enough to power ~26 million homes) while exempting critical facilities; the measure is limited to emergency conditions through Friday and has raised concerns about emissions from backup generators.