US Declares Power Emergency in Southeast on Heat Wave

The Trump administration has declared a power emergency in the US Southeast as a blistering heat wave strains grids across the country.

The emergency order by the Energy Department allows Duke Energy Corp. to exceed certain air pollution limits and take other steps to boost power generation amid soaring demand in North and South Carolina. With temperatures expected to top 100F (38C) in parts of the Carolinas, people are running air conditioners on high and using more electricity.

US power grids are stressed as the country is under a “dangerous heat wave” this week, stretching from the Midwest to the East Coast, with much of North Carolina and other eastern states under an extreme heat warning, according to the National Weather Service.

On Monday, there were blackouts in parts of New York City as the local utility issued a warning to conserve electricity. Power use Tuesday on PJM Interconnection’s 13-state system is expected to test a 14-year high.

Duke Energy, the power company serving most of North and South Carolina, told the Department of Energy on Monday that it might not have enough electricity to meet demand and warned it could have to cut power in some areas.

Duke confirmed on Tuesday that the company requested an order from the DOE that would allow maximum generation in its territory in North and South Carolina.

The order authorizes the utility to operate certain plants at their maximum. It is in effect from Tuesday through Wednesday, according to a statement.

“As electricity demand reaches its peak, Americans should not be forced to wonder if their power grid can support their homes and businesses,” US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in the statement.