PJM Declares Grid Emergency Across 13 States as 100F Heat and Data Centers Strain Supply
Updated
Updated · The Independent · May 19
PJM Declares Grid Emergency Across 13 States as 100F Heat and Data Centers Strain Supply
2 articles · Updated · The Independent · May 19
PJM issued a low-level emergency Tuesday across its 13-state grid as temperatures in the 90s pushed air-conditioning demand sharply higher; Washington, D.C., was expected to hit 100F.
The U.S. Energy Department authorized PJM to use backup generation at data centers and other facilities to reduce blackout risk as supply tightened during the late-spring heatwave.
Data centers were already stressing the system, especially in Virginia: PJM wholesale power costs rose to $136.53 per megawatt-hour in Q1 2026 from $77.78 a year earlier, according to the grid monitor.
PJM has also told generators to stay online and canceled planned maintenance, underscoring how AI-driven power demand and unusually early heat are testing the East Coast grid before peak summer.
As AI's insatiable energy demand strains the grid, are widespread blackouts and soaring bills inevitable?
Tech giants need massive power for AI. Who is ultimately responsible when the grid fails?