BY SRH
US residents must prepare for massive power disruptions.
This was before roughly 5,000 data centers were built, straining an already obsolete power grid.
The US government revealed alarming information in a Monday decree. Without easing pollution limits, it lacks the electrical capacity to serve all residents.
The US Department of Energy has issued an emergency power order to prevent power outages in PJM Interconnection’s Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern areas.
“Ahead of expected tight system conditions caused by unusually warm fall weather,” PJM said Monday, issuing maximum generation and load management recommendations. Over 67 million people in 13 states and DC are served by PJM.
Equipment disruptions due to maintenance and building limited power transmission, as did weather.
A PJM official said:
Factors contributing to tight grid conditions include increased electricity demand, generator and transmission equipment maintenance, and large transmission projects requiring line shutdowns for safety. To reduce mid-Atlantic blackout risks, planned generator outages are scheduled during autumn.
Emergency order states and territories: DC, DE, IL, IN, KY, MD, MI, NJ, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, and VA. Valid October 13–16.
Daytime highs over 80 degrees strain the electrical grid. Due to emergency conditions, power plants can exceed emission limits to keep the lights on.
PJM can force data centers and other large power customers onto backup generators as a last resort before blackouts.
Do you expect it? I assume they would cut power to households before disconnecting their hallowed data centers.
PJM told Newsweek on Tuesday that it does not expect any issues for its clients and that they are not being asked to do anything.
Wright said more power generation, including backup power, will help millions of mid-Atlantic households and businesses get affordable, reliable, and secure electricity.
They appear to be downplaying an emergency to normalize it.
Hopefully, millions of American houses and businesses will be unharmed, but what happens when people get used to hearing about catastrophes and stop caring?
It may be days, weeks, or months before a grid down, so start planning now. They already have 5,400 data centers and want to create 4,000 more. When October delivers “unseasonably warm temperatures,” it’s clear which of the over 10,000 data centers will be prioritized. Alternatively, exceptionally cold February.
Every American should take this seriously.
| Experts warn of widespread power outages in the near future, citing risks such as extreme weather, aging infrastructure, or cybersecurity threats. Authorities urge residents to prepare by assembling emergency kits, charging devices, storing water, and having a plan in place should the power go out. Staying informed through official updates and following local guidance can help minimize disruption during these potential outages. |
