{
  "id": 14982043,
  "title": "Biggest Power Grid Operator Says Data Centers Leave ‘Little Room for Error’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/biggest-power-grid-operator-says-data-centers-leave-little-room-for",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-16T15:27:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/biggest-power-grid-operator-says-data-centers-leave-little-room-for-error-12578999"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "America's largest power grid operator, PJM Interconnection, has warned that the surge in electricity demand from data centers is creating an environment with \"little room for error.\" David Souder, executive director of system operations at PJM, explained that the typically lower-demand periods of spring and fall, which were used for maintenance and upgrades, are no longer dependable due to the rapid growth of energy-intensive Large Load customers like data centers. These customers have a consistent, 24/7 consumption pattern that does not fluctuate with the weather, thus eroding the traditionally lower-demand seasons. Souder stated that the increasing demand, combined with unusually warm or cold weather extending beyond its typical seasons, is turning maintenance windows into periods of significant grid stress. The power flow on the transmission system is increasing, while generation reserves are dwindling, leaving little room for error. This issue comes amid political backlash over the data centers needed to support artificial intelligence and cloud computing, as residents and lawmakers raise concerns about their potential electricity and water consumption, as well as their environmental impacts. The Department of Energy has issued an emergency order to reduce the risk of blackouts across PJM's territory, directing the operator to bring specified power-generating units online during periods of elevated demand and numerous planned generator and transmission outages.",
  "summary": "\"Energy flow on the system is increasing while reserves are dwindling, leaving little room for error,\" PJM's David Souder said.",
  "key_points": [
    "Data centers surge electricity demand, leaving little room for error",
    "PJM Interconnection warns of grid stress during maintenance windows",
    "Department of Energy issues emergency order to prevent blackouts"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}