More than 132 million people across the central and eastern United States are experiencing blistering temperatures and high humidity, affecting 29 states from Nebraska to Massachusetts and North Dakota to Florida. This widespread heat is leading to a significant increase in electricity demand as air conditioners and fans are heavily used, putting immense strain on the power grid. The sweltering conditions are expected to peak on Sunday and Monday, with the US Southeast experiencing relief later in the week.
In response to the extreme heat and its impact on energy demand, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has issued emergency orders. On July 20, the DOE authorized Southwest Power Pool (SPP), which operates the grid across 17 central states, to leverage backup generation resources and allow certain facilities to operate beyond normal limits to ensure grid reliability and avert potential blackouts. This action was taken after SPP warned of possible rolling blackouts due to high temperatures driving electricity demand to record levels and some power plants going offline unexpectedly. Similarly, on an unspecified early Tuesday, Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued an order allowing Duke Energy in the Carolinas to run specific plants at maximum output to meet demand as temperatures approached 100 degrees, even if it meant exceeding emissions limits.
Utilities across affected regions, including Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO), are working to maintain grid reliability, anticipating high-demand days year-round and ensuring sufficient power availability. The PJM Interconnection, which manages the largest power market across 13 Mid-Atlantic and Midwest states, reported that demand hit 161 gigawatts, the highest since 2011, though still below its 2006 record peak of 165 GW. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), covering 14 central states, saw demand reach 120 GW, a yearly high but below its 2011 peak of 127 GW. Both PJM and MISO have issued alerts to power plant and transmission owners, emphasizing the need for operational readiness.
The soaring temperatures have already led to power outages, with over 40,000 customers in several New York City boroughs losing power on Monday due to extreme heat and humidity stressing the local grid. Consolidated Edison (ConEd) asked residents in the affected areas to conserve energy by limiting the use of high-energy appliances and reducing air conditioning or electric vehicle charging. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects a 3% rise in average residential electricity bills this summer to $178, attributing the increase to higher power prices. However, the EIA warns that if temperatures are hotter than expected, households, especially in southern states, could face even higher bills.
