Eastern U.S. Heat Wave Triggers Power Grid Strains and Blackouts

Extreme heat across the eastern U.S. is causing significant strain on power grids, leading to localized blackouts such as in Queens, New York City, where over 6,200 customers experienced outages. Consolidated Edison has requested residents to reduce use of high-energy appliances while crews work on restoring service. Two major regional grid operators, PJM Interconnection and Midcontinent Independent System Operator, have issued energy emergency alerts anticipating peak electricity demand driven by extensive air conditioning use due to rising temperatures. The elevated temperatures are forecasted to continue, posing ongoing challenges to electricity supply and infrastructure, impacting states from the Great Plains to the mid-Atlantic.