US power grid warns of strain from monday’s heat

The biggest US power grid, PJM Interconnection, has issued an emergency alert for Monday due to soaring temperatures. Serving about 20% of Americans from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic, PJM expects electricity demand to hit a 14-year high as people crank up air conditioners to cope with the heat wave. Temperatures in Washington, D.C., are forecast to reach 100°F, well above normal, driving power usage to around 158.5 gigawatts by late afternoon.

PJM’s alert signals potential strain on the grid, as scorching weather pushes demand to levels not seen since 2011. Power prices have spiked, with Monday’s rates hitting $200 per megawatt-hour, five times higher than Friday’s. While experts say the grid should hold, the heat wave tests its limits, especially in urban areas like the East Coast, where prices are more volatile.

This comes amid broader concerns about the US power grid’s ability to handle extreme weather. Aging infrastructure and rising demand from data centers and electric vehicles add pressure. PJM’s warning highlights the need for upgrades to ensure reliable power during intense heat. For now, residents are urged to conserve energy to ease the grid’s burden.