US Energy Dept tells data centers to use backup generators during heatwave to free up power for AC usage
- US Energy Secretary urges data centers to use generators, temporarily turning off grid connections
- Dirty generators risk producing more emissions amid regional heatwave and increased AC demand
- Data centers are clearly putting huge strain on local grids, which are struggling to cope
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.
Data centers told to use generators amid heatwve
High consumers, like data centers, have been given permission to disconnect from the grid...
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