Heatwave to put US power grid under strain due to AI-driven energy surge

US Heatwave Expected to Strain Electric Grid Ahead of Fourth of July Holiday

A severe heatwave is forecasted to hit the central and eastern parts of the United States this week, with temperatures expected to reach above 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) in several cities. The heatwave will coincide with a busy travel weekend, including the Fourth of July holiday on Saturday.

According to grid operators, the extreme temperatures are likely to push electricity demand near record levels. The US’s largest regional grid operator, PMJ Interconnection, is forecasting 166.3 gigawatts of electrical demand for Thursday evening, surpassing the previous summer peak set in 2006.

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) and Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which covers 15 states in the Midwest and South, are also expecting record-high electricity demand. Authorities at MISO will rely on PMJ for support in covering consumer needs.

Experts point to increasing pressure on electrical grids from new technologies such as data centers and electric vehicles. Hyperscale data centers, which require significant amounts of electricity, are adding load to the grid at an unprecedented pace. Researchers have identified a “data heat island effect,” where land surface temperatures around AI data centers rise by an average of 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

The National Weather Service has warned that long periods of extreme heat can create significant stress on the body, urging people to limit outdoor activity and stay hydrated. A recent report from the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 21,518 deaths in the United States from 1999 to 2023 were attributed to heat-related causes.

The Fourth of July holiday marks a busy travel weekend, with millions expected to gather for celebrations. The extreme temperatures will also coincide with the FIFA World Cup, which is reaching its knockout stage in several host cities, including New York and Washington, DC.

Source: Al Jazeera