Heat Wave Raises Blackout Risks Across U.S. Electric Grids
A significant heat wave is straining electricity grids across the United States, with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) warning of heightened blackout risks. The PJM Interconnection, the largest U.S. electric grid serving 67 million people from Washington D.C. to Chicago, is under stress due to soaring temperatures. DOE Secretary Chris Wright authorized emergency measures, including activating backup generation resources, to stabilize the Mid-Atlantic grid. Meanwhile, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which oversees 15 states in the Midwest and South, anticipates peak electricity demand nearing record levels at 121 gigawatts. Temperatures in major cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Washington D.C. are expected to exceed 90°F (32°C), further exacerbating the situation. Local cooperatives, such as Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative in Missouri, are urging residents to conserve energy by unplugging unused devices and adjusting thermostats. 
