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Electric Grid

All articles tagged with #electric grid

Trump-Abbott rift widens as Texas data-center boom fuels grid concerns
politics12 days ago

Trump-Abbott rift widens as Texas data-center boom fuels grid concerns

President Trump criticizes Gov. Abbott’s stance on Texas’s AI-driven data-center boom, arguing the industry could be bigger than oil, while Abbott pushes regulators to ensure data centers cover infrastructure costs and to promote on-site power generation. Dallas leads a global data-center surge, but the expansion risks straining the electric grid and shifting costs to residents, prompting debate over who pays for upgrades and how connected power will be managed.

US Data-Center Buildout Could Put 50% More Strain on Power Grid
technology2 months ago

US Data-Center Buildout Could Put 50% More Strain on Power Grid

BI's analysis projects U.S. data centers could consume about 224–359 TWh per year if all 2025 permits come online—roughly a 50% rise—driven by hyperscale facilities powering AI. With 176 new centers approved in 2025 across 34 states, many in rural areas, concerns rise about water use, higher electricity prices, and impacts on local economies; residents press for limits and on-site generation, while utilities fund grid upgrades, and lawmakers debate policy. Proponents say centers anchor economic growth and high-wage jobs, and major tech firms pledge to share grid-investment costs, though BI notes its estimates may undercount some facilities due to permit data limitations.

energy-and-climate7 months ago

Cold snap tests US power grid as outages spread

Winter Storm Fern knocked out power for more than a million customers across the South as frigid conditions loom, pressuring the electric grid. PJM projected record winter demand and the Energy Department allowed full operation of grid resources while utilities mobilized tens of thousands of workers; gas prices surged and authorities warned the system could remain stressed through the week amid ice and falling temps.

"The Impact of the Solar Eclipse on Solar Panels"
science-and-technology2 years ago

"The Impact of the Solar Eclipse on Solar Panels"

The upcoming solar eclipse on April 8 will impact solar panels and the electric grid, causing a temporary loss of sunlight and affecting solar generation across the United States. Grid operators have been preparing for the event, and while the eclipse will lead to a reduction in solar power, utilities are expected to ramp up other power sources to cover the shortfall. The eclipse serves as a practice run for future unpredictable events, and viewers are advised to use proper eye protection when observing the celestial spectacle.

"Preparing for the 2024 Solar Eclipse: Impact on Solar Panels, Grid, and Viewing Locations"
science-and-technology2 years ago

"Preparing for the 2024 Solar Eclipse: Impact on Solar Panels, Grid, and Viewing Locations"

The upcoming solar eclipse on April 8 will have a significant impact on solar power generation and the electrical grid, with the potential for reduced solar generation and the need to ramp up other power sources to cover the temporary loss of solar power. While the eclipse will only last for 4 minutes in any one place, the broader impacts and the transition in and out of the eclipse could last several hours, affecting the entire United States to varying degrees. However, utilities have experience in handling such events, and if all goes according to plan, electric consumers shouldn't notice any disruptions.

"U.S. Carbon Emissions Decline Slowly Despite Coal Reduction"
environment2 years ago

"U.S. Carbon Emissions Decline Slowly Despite Coal Reduction"

Despite a 2.4 percent increase in GDP, U.S. greenhouse gas emissions fell by 1.9 percent in 2023, matching 1991 levels, with the power sector leading the decline. However, transportation emissions increased by 1.6 percent due to more plane travel and miles driven. The rise in gasoline demand contrasts with record-high electric vehicle sales, indicating increased driving outweighed fuel efficiency gains. To meet Paris Agreement targets, the U.S. must reduce emissions by 6.9 percent annually until 2030.

"Rare Geminid Meteor Shower Captured in Stunning Puerto Rico Explosion"
astronomy2 years ago

"Rare Geminid Meteor Shower Captured in Stunning Puerto Rico Explosion"

A video captured the moment a meteor streaked across the sky over Puerto Rico during the Geminid meteor shower, appearing to explode. The meteor's trajectory coincided with an explosion, which was believed to be caused by Puerto Rico's electric grid still recovering from hurricane damage. Despite the explosion, power only went out in the area for about a minute.

"Biden Administration Invests $1.3 Billion to Upgrade US Electric Grid with New Power Lines"
energy2 years ago

"Biden Administration Invests $1.3 Billion to Upgrade US Electric Grid with New Power Lines"

President Joe Biden has announced a $1.3 billion federal investment to construct three new interstate power lines, aiming to upgrade the outdated U.S. electric grid and transition to clean energy. The transmission lines will span six states and supply an additional 3.5 gigawatts of energy to the grid, equivalent to powering 3 million homes. The investment is part of the Biden administration's plan to achieve a carbon-free power sector by 2035. However, the construction of power lines often faces delays and challenges, and the projects are subject to necessary approvals and permitting processes.

Massive Investments in US Electric Grid: Biden Administration and Energy Department Lead the Way
energy2 years ago

Massive Investments in US Electric Grid: Biden Administration and Energy Department Lead the Way

The Biden administration has announced a $3.46 billion investment in upgrading the US electric grid, the largest investment to date in the grid. The funding will support 58 projects across 44 states, aiming to prevent blackouts and bring more clean energy online. The projects are expected to leverage $8 billion in federal and private investments, helping to add over 35 gigawatts of renewable energy and 400 microgrids. The funding prioritizes marginalized communities and aims to create good-paying union jobs. This investment is part of a larger effort to strengthen power grids globally, as governments and utilities need to replace or add the equivalent of all the world's power grids by 2040.

Consumers Energy's New Plan: Reliable Power and Faster Restoration
energy2 years ago

Consumers Energy's New Plan: Reliable Power and Faster Restoration

Consumers Energy, a Michigan-based electric utility company, has unveiled a five-year plan to enhance the reliability of its electric grid and reduce power outage durations and frequency. The plan includes trimming trees near power lines, replacing outdated electric poles, burying more power lines underground, and automating parts of the grid. The company aims to seek approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission for the plan, which could involve an investment of approximately $9 billion and the burial of an estimated 5,000 miles of low-voltage power lines. Consumers Energy intends to ensure that no customer goes without power for more than 24 hours and that no outage affects more than 100,000 customers.