US Energy Dept tells data centers to use backup generators during heatwave to free up power for AC usage

Date:
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 16:05:00 +0000

Description:
East Coast data centers told to use backup generators to let residents access more grid power to fuel AC amid heatwave.

FULL STORY
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has ordered large
data centers to switch from grid electricity to on-site backup generators during the ongoing East Coast heatwave, to relieve pressure on the grid.

By using generators, the aim is to free up electricity for residential air conditioning units, with energy demand surging in the region as a result of the excessive heat. The directive primarily applies to data centers and other major consumers of electricity connected to the PJM Interconnection grid a major operator in the region. High consumers, like data
centers, have been given permission to disconnect from the grid and revert to generators running on diesel or natural gas, despite the sustainability concerns.

The PJM notice is one of two relating to this heatwave the Department of Energy also announced similar measures for Duke Energy in the Carolinas.

"The order authorizes Duke Energy to operate specified units up to their maximum generation output levels, notwithstanding air quality or other permit limitations arising under federal, state, or local law or regulation, or
other applicable source of law," the directive reads.

"Maintaining affordable, reliable, and secure power in the Duke Energy
service territory is non-negotiable," Wright added, implying that residents shouldn't suffer due to the concentration of data centers in the region.

It's believed that 35GW of backup generation is available nationally, though it's unclear how much grid capacity East Coast measures will free up.

However, what the temporary measures prove is that citizen and commercial demands are too near to generated output, and that there's not enough buffer to allow for surges in demand. Without investment in sustainability electricity, continued data center projects risk more and more scenarios like this, where unsustainable fuels are burned to create power.

Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/us-energy-dept-tells-data-centers-to-use-backup- generators-during-heatwave-to-free-up-power-for-ac-usage

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* Origin: Capitol City Online (1:2320/107)