Electric grid operator warns of power outage risk as summer demand peaks in Ohio, NKY
PJM Interconnection, which operates electrical transmission for Ohio and 12 other states, is forecasting summer energy use to peak at just over 154,000 megawatts. PJM should be able to able to supply enough power, according to the organization. PJM has around 179,200 megawatts of capacity this summer and around 7,900 megawatts contracted.
But, unexpected drastic circumstances could put power supply at risk, according to PJM. And the National Weather Service is predicting a hotter-than-normal summer.
In an extreme scenario, peak power load could reach more than 166,000 megawatts, which would set a record for the organization, according to PJM. Under such a scenario, PJM would rely on contracted programs to meet its needs.
'This outlook at a record peak heat scenario reflects our years-long and mounting concerns as we plan for enough resources to maintain grid reliability,' Aftab Khan, PJM executive vice president of operations, planning and security said in a press release. 'All resources within PJM's footprint should be prepared to respond when called upon.'
PJM's record summer peak was set at 165,563 MW in 2006. In 2024, PJM's summer peak was about 152,700 megawatts, and in 2023 it was 147,000 megawatts, according to the organization. One megawatt can power about 800 homes, according to PJM.
Although there may be enough power to go around this summer, Ohio could face an energy shortfall within two years if something isn't done to bolster the PJM electrical grid, according to a study released in February by the Ohio Business Roundtable.
If something isn't done by 2027, blackouts during severe weather could become more common, energy costs may increase and businesses considering a home in Ohio may look elsewhere, Pat Tiberi, chief executive officer of the Ohio Business Roundtable has said.
Data centers have been driving a lot of the increased demand for power in Ohio. Ohio's surge in data centers means the state could eat up so much electricity that demand for power in the Columbus region will be similar to all of Manhattan by 2030, according to American Electric Power.
With 179 data centers, Ohio has the fifth most of any state in the nation, according to Data Center Map, which tracks them. The majority of Ohio's planned or operational data centers are owned by Amazon Web Services.
Dispatch investigative reporter Max Filby can be reached by email at mfilby@dispatch.com. Find him on X at the handle @MaxFilby or on Facebook at @ReporterMaxFilby.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Electric grid operator warns of power outage risk ahead of summer
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