US heatwave threatens power grid as electricity demand nears record levels

Grid operators across the United States have issued warnings that an intensifying heatwave could push electricity demand to near‑record levels ahead of the Fourth of July weekend. The National Weather Service projects temperatures to climb into the high 90s Fahrenheit in much of the Southwest, Midwest and Southeast, prompting a surge in air‑conditioning use that is expected to strain the power grid during the peak summer period.

The operators, including the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), are monitoring load forecasts that show demand approaching the thresholds set during previous extreme events, such as the 2021 Texas freeze and the 2023 heatwave. Utilities are preparing to activate additional generation resources, request voluntary curtailments, and coordinate with regional transmission organizations to maintain reliability. Officials emphasize that while the grid is resilient, sustained high temperatures could increase the risk of localized outages if demand outpaces supply.