Emergency order by US to 'prevent blackouts' could affect data centres

The US Department of Energy issued an emergency directive to avert potential power outages due to rising electricity demand. On Monday, this prompted PJM Interconnection, a company that transmits electricity across various parts of the US, to instruct significant data centers and other high-energy consumers to utilize backup power sources, if necessary.

Data centers have been frequently criticized for contributing to spikes in electricity costs, thereby influencing public opinion regarding artificial intelligence. The Department of Energy also cited planned generator outages scheduled during the autumn maintenance period as a potential trigger for blackouts.

PJM announced a Maximum Generation Alert and Load Management Alert slated for October 13, anticipating tight system conditions owing to unusually high autumn temperatures and necessary maintenance and construction-related outages. This alert does not mandate any action from the affected entities. The order remains in force until October 16.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright expressed confidence in his decision to compel utility companies and other entities to enact emergency measures. He aimed to guarantee that millions of American families and businesses in the mid-Atlantic region continue to enjoy affordable, reliable, and secure electricity by ensuring the availability of additional power generation, including backup power, when needed.

According to the Department of Energy, there are 35 gigawatts of unused backup generation capacity available nationwide. PJM has issued a maximum generation alert for October 13 and 14, indicating that emergency procedures will be employed under above-normal temperatures forecast across a large portion of the PJM region. The company clarified that the alert does not necessitate any customer action.

The alerts come ahead of the US midterm elections, where energy policy, AI, and data centers are significant concerns. Any power outages or failure to adequately address these issues could exacerbate tensions between residents and utility companies, as well as artificial intelligence firms. President Donald Trump has consistently dismissed AI critics, labeling their concerns as "hoaxes," but in February, he attempted to alleviate the strain on the grid by signing a voluntary ratepayer protection pledge, in which technology and data center companies would provide their own electricity to operate.

Meanwhile, the Department of Energy has advocated for the construction of more nuclear reactors to meet the energy demands of AI.