Emergency order by US to 'prevent blackouts' could affect data centres
The US Department of Energy has issued an emergency order to try to prevent power cuts amid increasing demand. Monday's order prompted PJM Interconnection , a corporation that transmits electricity in parts of the US, to " direct data centres and other large-load customers to switch to back-up generation resources, if necessary". Data centres in the US are commonly blamed for a surge in…
On Monday, the U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order aimed at preventing potential power outages due to rising demand. This directive prompted PJM Interconnection, a key electricity transmission company, to instruct data centers and large-load customers to utilize backup power generation if required. Data centers have been blamed for driving up electricity prices and negatively impacting public sentiment toward AI, according to recent polls.
In response, the Energy Department announced a high rate of scheduled generator outages during the autumn maintenance period, which could contribute to potential blackouts. PJM has issued alerts for maximum generation and load management on October 13, anticipating tight system conditions resulting from unusually warm fall weather and planned maintenance and construction activities.
The emergency order remains in effect until October 16. Energy Secretary Chris Wright expressed confidence in the decision to prompt utility companies and others to take emergency measures, emphasizing that the order will help ensure millions of American families and businesses in the mid-Atlantic region have access to affordable, reliable, and secure electricity. The Department of Energy stated that 35 GW of unused backup generation capacity is available nationwide.
The alerts come ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, where energy policy, AI, and data centers are significant issues. Any blackouts or failure to adequately address these concerns could exacerbate tensions between residents and utility companies as well as artificial intelligence firms. President Donald Trump has recently dismissed AI critics and accused them of hoaxes, although he previously signed a non-binding pledge in February encouraging technology and data center companies to provide their own electricity to alleviate grid strain.
Meanwhile, the Department of Energy has advocated for the construction of additional nuclear reactors to meet the growing energy needs of AI.
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