Blackout risk rises as heatwave stresses largest US electric grids

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Published: 2026-09-02T12:26:05.710Z • Permanent link

High temperatures across the United States are expected to exacerbate the strain on the country's largest electric grids, prompting a warning from the US energy department about a potential for widespread power outages. The PJM Interconnection, which serves 67 million people from Washington D.C. to Chicago, has been particularly affected by the heatwave, which has pushed demand for electricity to record highs. In a statement released last week, the energy department warned that the risk of outages is expected to escalate across the eastern United States, where temperatures are forecast to soar to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

The US energy department's warning comes as the nation's power grid faces increasing strain due to a combination of factors, including a lack of investment in grid infrastructure, the increasing use of renewable energy sources, and the rising demand for electricity from electric vehicles. The PJM Interconnection, which operates in seven states, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey, has been working to upgrade its grid to meet the growing demand for electricity. However, the heatwave has pushed the grid to its limits, with some areas experiencing power shortages and brownouts.

The US energy department's warning is also a reminder of the vulnerability of the nation's power grid to extreme weather events. In 2012, a heatwave in the eastern United States caused widespread power outages, with some areas experiencing outages for up to two weeks. The incident highlighted the need for the nation's power grid to be more resilient and adaptable to extreme weather events.

The risk of power outages in the US is a major concern for companies that rely on electricity to operate their businesses. For example, major companies such as Amazon and Walmart have invested heavily in backup power systems to ensure that their operations continue uninterrupted in the event of an outage. Research communities, such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, are also working to develop new technologies and strategies to improve the resilience of the nation's power grid.

The impact of power outages on the US economy is also significant. According to a study by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, power outages can result in significant economic losses, including lost productivity, equipment damage, and decreased consumer confidence. The study estimated that power outages can result in losses of up to $1 billion per hour. As a result, companies and policymakers are working to develop new strategies to prevent and respond to power outages.

The US power grid is facing increasing strain due to a combination of factors, including the increasing use of renewable energy sources and the rising demand for electricity from electric vehicles. The PJM Interconnection, which serves 67 million people, has been working to upgrade its grid to meet the growing demand for electricity. However, the heatwave has pushed the grid to its limits, highlighting the need for greater investment in grid infrastructure and the development of new technologies to improve the resilience of the nation's power grid.