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National Grid Emergency Declared Amidst Extreme Heat
1 Jul
Summary
- US Energy Department declared a national grid emergency.
- Extreme heat is driving surging electricity demand.
- PJM warns of potential supply shortfalls and grid instability.
The U.S. Department of Energy declared a nationwide emergency on July 1, 2026, for the country's largest power grid, PJM Interconnection. This action was taken due to surging electricity demand and limited generation capacity as extreme heat grips the region. The declaration, issued under the Federal Power Act, aims to ensure sufficient electricity supply and protect public safety.
PJM Interconnection, which serves a significant portion of the eastern United States, formally requested the intervention on June 29, 2026. The grid operator projected peak loads of approximately 159,563 megawatts on July 1, 2026, and 162,860 megawatts on July 2, 2026. These high demand levels raise concerns about potential supply shortfalls and threaten grid stability, especially as some generation units may face constraints due to environmental permits or state requirements.
