Data Centers Told to Use Generators During Heat Wave to Save Grid Power
Amidst a severe heat wave impacting East Coast cities, Energy Secretary Chris Wright directed data centers within the PJM service territory to utilize their backup power. This directive aims to preserve public grid electricity for residential air conditioning needs as temperatures soar. While this measure is intended to ensure reliable energy access, it raises concerns about increased pollution from backup generators and the region’s limited large battery storage capacity compared to other data center-heavy states.
John Q. Hosedrinker