Energy Department Orders Data Centers to Tap Backup Power
The U.S. Energy Department has ordered data centers to use backup power to prevent blackouts during a severe heat wave.
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📍 How it ended
The Energy Department directed data centers to use backup generators to preserve power and prevent blackouts during an extreme heat wave. Grid operator PJM ordered emergency steps as power prices tripled and demand neared record peaks.
The story quieted without a definitive conclusion in the coverage.
Epilogue added 18d ago, after coverage quieted.
The brief
Energy Department has mandated that data centers switch to backup generators to conserve power and prevent widespread outages. This directive comes amid a severe heat wave that is straining power grids across the country. Coverage from Reuters, CNN, and CNBC emphasizes the potential for large-scale power outages and the strain on the PJM grid, which serves a significant portion of the Eastern U.S.
The order affects data centers, which are significant power consumers. The coverage highlights the immediate steps being taken to manage the crisis, including emergency measures by grid operator PJM. Reports from local outlets like WBAL-TV and WRAL detail the impact on specific regions, such as Maryland and the Northeast.
Next, watch for updates on the effectiveness of these emergency measures and any potential extensions of the backup power mandate. Coverage does not yet specify the duration of the order or the specific regions most affected by the data center power draw.
Synthesized by Archynetys from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 20d ago.
Quick answers
What is causing the power grid strain?
A severe heat wave is driving up power demand, particularly for air conditioning, straining the U.S. power grids.
Which regions are most affected?
The PJM grid, which serves parts of the Eastern U.S., is under significant stress. Specific regions mentioned include Maryland and the Northeast.
What actions are being taken to prevent outages?
The U.S. Energy Department has ordered data centers to use backup generators to conserve power. Grid operator PJM is implementing emergency measures to manage the increased demand.
Coverage (13)
- Power Prices Triple on PJM as Heat Wave and Data Centers Collide Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com · 22d ago
- Heat wave prompts federal blackout warning including in Maryland WBAL-TV · 22d ago
- Grid operator PJM orders emergency steps to avoid large-scale US power outages Reuters · 22d ago
- Feds: Data centers must use generators to preserve power, prevent blackouts during heat wave demand WRAL · 22d ago
- Extreme heat wave threatens U.S. power grids and July 4 travel CNBC · 22d ago
- Extreme heat wave threatens U.S. power grids and July 4 travel CNBC · 22d ago
- PJM anticipates new peak demand record as heat wave tests power grid Utility Dive · 22d ago
- PJM Power Grid Mobilizes Against Heat Wave Stress Devdiscourse · 22d ago
- Searing heat wave is nearing peak in the Northeast, thousands in NYC area without power CNN · 22d ago
- Energy Dept. directs data centers to use backup generators during heat wave, freeing up power for AC CNN · 23d ago
- Energy Department Wants Data Centers to Stop Draining the Grid During Brutal Heat Wave Gizmodo · 23d ago
- 'We are screwed': People near data centers dread heat wave pollution yahoo.com · 23d ago
- Extreme heat drives record demand threat as America's largest grid prepares emergency measures Fox Business · 23d ago
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