Blackout risk rises as heatwave stresses largest US electric grids
A severe heatwave is straining major US power grids, particularly the PJM Interconnection, leading to warnings of potential blackouts. Officials have authorized emergency measures to stabilize the grid as demand approaches record levels across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic.
Why it matters
Extreme weather events are increasingly testing the resilience of aging energy infrastructure, posing risks to millions of residents and businesses.
Electrical workers on the street repairing power in Gary, Indiana, on 20 August, more than a week after a deadly storm passes through the area. Electrical workers on the street repairing power in Gary, Indiana, on 20 August, more than a week after a deadly storm passes through the area. US weather Blackout risk rises as heatwave stresses largest US electric grids US energy department warns of potential for outages in PJM Interconnection, serving 67 million from DC to Chicago
Prefer the Guardian on Google The risk of power outages is expected to escalate across a broad swath of the United States on Wednesday as intense heat will test the capacity of electricity supplies serving millions of homes and businesses from the midwest through the mid-Atlantic.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in