US EditionFirstEnergy Working to Protect Power Grid, Prevent Outages
- A deadly, record-setting heat wave blasted most of the eastern U.S. through June 24, causing electricity demand to surge and power prices to spike from St. Louis to Boston.
- The heat wave drove power demand to levels not seen since 2011, with PJM Interconnection anticipating peaks exceeding 160,000 megawatts, while ISO New England projected demand consistent with their forecasts.
- Officials urged caution due to extreme heat dangers, noting that oppressive humidity increases risk especially for those outdoors, while electrical utilities directed plants to operate at full capacity to prevent outages.
- Power prices soared, with next-day PJM West hub prices jumping over 430% to $211 per megawatt hour and New England prices rising over 180% to $161 per megawatt hour during the heat wave.
- The heat wave likely accelerated energy consumption trends, reinforcing grid operators' claims of sufficient reserves, but also underlining the need for energy-saving measures amid growing demand, especially during peak summer heat.
11 Articles
11 Articles
The Conversation: How your air conditioner can help the power grid, rather than overloading it
As summer arrives, people are turning on air conditioners in most of the U.S. But if you’re like me, you always feel a little guilty about that. Past generations managed without air conditioning – do I really need it? And…
FirstEnergy working to protect power grid, prevent outages
FirstEnergy Corp. crews were busy making sure the power grid remains stable during the hot summer months, with proactive measures to prevent outages. As temperatures rise, FirstEnergy is taking steps to identify and resolve potential issues that could disrupt power delivery. Crews have been preparing for months, utilizing helicopters and thermovision cameras to inspect infrastructure and make necessary repairs. Behrend students helping craf…
Power grid demand to peak Tuesday amid extremely hot stretch; no significant issues anticipated
A key way to stay cool and safe during extremely hot weather is to stay indoors in buildings with air conditioning, but that can potentially raise concerns about energy use.
U.S. Electricity Prices Soar Amid Strong Summer Demand
U.S. wholesale electricity prices are rising fast amid forecasts for summer heat that will drive demand higher, especially in the East. Prices in Boston topped $400 per MWh at one point on Tuesday, Reuters reported, up from $50 per MWh earlier in the day. According to grid operator PJM Interconnection, which is the largest in the country, expected demand to hit 160 GW on Monday, declining to 158 GW on Tuesday and further to 155 GW on Wednesday a…
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