The Energy Department declared a power emergency in the southeastern United States as forecasts indicated dangerously high temperatures that could strain power grids along the East Coast. An emergency order issued on Thursday allows Duke Energy Corp. to operate its power plants at maximum output and exceed certain air pollution limits to meet the expected high demand in North and South Carolina. This order is effective through Friday night.
Duke Energy requested the emergency order, anticipating power demand to rise as temperatures could reach 101°F (38°C) in some areas of the Carolinas, compounded by a severe drought. The utility expressed concerns about insufficient generation capacity due to environmental permit limits.
The National Weather Service has issued heat wave warnings from South Carolina to Maine. Real-time power prices on the PJM Interconnection grid surged past $1,300 per megawatt-hour on Thursday due to high humidity and temperatures in the Mid-Atlantic. The New York Independent System Operator is preparing to activate its emergency demand response program, while New England's grid operator has declared 'abnormal conditions' as the heat index approaches 100°F in the region.