The operator of the power grid for a large swath of the eastern United States has declared an emergency alert as a severe heatwave pushes electricity demand to critical levels. PJM Interconnection LLC, which manages the grid across 13 states from Washington, D.C., to Chicago, issued the low-level emergency on Tuesday, warning of heightened strain on the system.
Heatwave Drives Up Demand
Temperatures soaring into the 90s Fahrenheit across much of PJM's footprint are causing a surge in air conditioning use, the operator explained. This spike in demand comes during what is typically a shoulder season, the transition period between peak and off-peak times. The mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions are experiencing temperatures well above average, with Washington, D.C., expected to hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius) on Tuesday—nearly 25 degrees above normal. Heat advisories have been issued in several states within PJM's territory, including New York City, where the mercury was forecast to reach 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). For comparison, the average temperature in New York City on this date last year was around 63 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius), according to Weather.gov.
Emergency Authorization for Backup Power
As the heatwave strains power supplies, the U.S. Energy Department has granted an emergency order allowing PJM to tap into backup generation at data centers and other facilities to avert potential blackouts, as reported by Bloomberg. This measure underscores the growing pressure on the nation's power infrastructure.
Data Centers Exacerbate Grid Strain
Data centers, which are concentrated in states like Virginia, have been a significant factor in the grid's vulnerability even before the heatwave. The United States hosts approximately 4,287 data centers, according to the Data Center Map project. Their high electricity consumption has driven up wholesale power prices in PJM's region by nearly 76 percent year-over-year. Monitoring Analytics, an independent watchdog for PJM, reported that wholesale power costs rose to $136.53 per megawatt-hour in the first quarter of 2026, up from $77.78 in the same period of 2025, as detailed by E&E News via Politico. The rapid expansion of data centers to support artificial intelligence is a key driver of rising electricity prices and grid strain, the report noted. Additionally, researchers have warned that these facilities create localized "heat islands," warming surrounding areas by up to 16 degrees Fahrenheit, an effect that could impact over 340 million people globally.
PJM's Response
In a statement, PJM defended the rising prices as a correct reflection of tightening supply and demand in wholesale markets. "PJM recognizes the impact of these costs on consumers," a spokesperson said, adding that the company is collaborating with local officials to address the effects on ratepayers.
