PJM Anticipates Sufficient Power for Winter, Cautions About Tightening Margins PJM, the grid operator for 13 states and the District of Columbia, projects having enough electrical capacity to meet anticipated demand this winter under normal conditions. The organization anticipates 182,426 MW of operational capacity available, enough to serve an estimated peak demand of roughly 147,500

California’s AI Growth Creates Real Estate Bottleneck for Power Infrastructure California is experiencing significant growth in data centers and related high-energy operations, mirroring trends across the United States. The California Energy Commission estimates that over 200 data centers are currently operating in the state, with projections indicating a substantial increase in electricity demand. To address

A GT Salisbury representative described a 'micro' data-center proposal for the old Cadizda site; residents raised zoning, water, power and transparency concerns. Council directed staff to draft a task-force resolution and said the moratorium will pause approvals while the committee studies impacts.

Energy leaders convened Thursday morning to discuss solutions for escalating energy demand and affordability challenges, particularly those driven by the rapid growth of data centers in the region. The Loudoun Chamber hosted the forum, which featured Virginia Chief Energy Officer Josephus Allmond, PJM Interconnection Executive Director Jason Stanek, State Corporation Commission Chair Kelsey Bagot, Dominion

Africa will need substantial investment in electricity networks, fuel supplies and new generating capacity as energy consumption rises over the coming decades, with governments facing pressure to improve access to electricity while limiting emissions. The African Energy Chamber (AEC), in a statement on October 29 outlining findings from its State of African Energy 2027 Outlook, reported that the continent's energy demand would increase by 92% between 2026 and 2060. According to the report, Africa accounts for 19% of the world's population but consumes only 10% of primary energy and produces around 5% of energy-related emissions. The AEC argues that Africa's immediate challenge differs from that of developed economies, where energy policies increasingly focus on replacing established fossil fuel systems. In Africa, many countries must first increase supplies to households and businesses that have limited or unreliable access to electricity. The report identifies natural gas, petroleum products, renewable electricity and nuclear power as potential contributors to meeting demand. Investment in transmission, energy storage and cross-border electricity connections will also be necessary to deliver additional generation to consumers. Reliable power is particularly important for mining, manufacturing and mineral processing, where interruptions raise operating costs and discourage industrial investment. The AEC says energy development strategies will need to reflect national resources and infrastructure. Gas producers could expand domestic fuel use, while countries with favourable solar, wind or hydropower resources could prioritise electricity generation. Malawi illustrates the financing challenge. Energy and Mining Minister Jean Mathanga told African Energy Week 2026 that the country wants electricity access to reach 70% and installed generating capacity to rise to 1,400 MW by 2030. “Our challenge is to convert potential into projects,” Mathanga said. Malawi is seeking investment in generation, renewables and electricity imports. It is also examining oil and gas prospects, although commercial reserves have not been established, and wants better petroleum storage and transport facilities to improve fuel security. According to Mathanga, government funding will be insufficient without private investors, development lenders and technology partners. “The transition must balance access, affordability, reliability and emissions reduction. Investment priorities will differ, but the underlying requirement remains consistent: expand useful energy supply, support economic development and reduce avoidable emissions, including methane and gas flaring,” the AEC said. “For Africa, a successful transition begins by ensuring that more people and businesses can access the energy needed to grow.” Africa's main challenge will be securing enough investment to expand energy supplies without increasing costs beyond what households and businesses can afford. Governments will need to prioritise commercially viable projects, strengthen electricity networks and establish regulatory conditions that attract private capital. Without these measures, rising demand could deepen existing supply shortages rather than support industrial growth, according to NewsBase Horizon, a dedicated intelligence and advisory division of NewsBase.

During adjournment a commissioner reported the county is moving forward with a data-center moratorium; participants raised concerns about electricity and water use and referenced a reported 100,000,000-square-foot facility tied to Elon Musk as a scale example.

Two residents presented petitions and local/environmental concerns about data centers, urging the board to adopt strict local regulations or moratoriums to protect groundwater, limit water/energy use, and reduce noise and pollution.

Record Heat Drives Peak Power Demand Across U.S. Three U.S. regional transmission organizations (RTOs) set all-time peak load records during the June-August 2026 period, according to a report released Monday, October 26, 2026, by Industrial Info Resources News Intelligence. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that the average temperature across the contiguous U.S.

The Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (VASM) briefed JCOTS on its fellowship programs, an AI summit set for Sept. 30–Oct. 1 at Virginia Tech, and a request for an additional $75,000 to deepen strategic road‑map work on AI, energy, health and quantum.

Midcontinent Independent System Operator Proposes New Data Center Regulations The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) has submitted proposed rules to federal regulators designed to address the escalating electricity demands of data centers and similar facilities across its 15-state region, which includes Minnesota and Wisconsin. The new regulations are intended to ensure grid reliability, accurately track

The county presentation quantified infrastructure needs tied to growth: household and workplace electricity estimates (tens of megawatts) and water demand measured in thousands of acre‑feet per year under different population scenarios.

Three major regional power grids experienced record electricity demand this summer, according to data from Form EIA-930 and the Hourly Electric Grid Monitor. PJM’s peak hourly load reached 162.6 gigawatts on July 2, 2026, surpassing the previous record of 160.6 GW established on June 23, 2025, by a 1.3% margin. ERCOT’s peak load hit 91.1

**Regional Power Grids Shatter Demand Records Amidst Scorching Summer** Three major regional electricity grids—PJM, ERCOT, and SPP—established new peak hourly load records during the summer of 2026, reflecting unprecedented heat and rising electricity demand. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Hourly Electric Grid Monitor documented these events, which largely coincided with a record-breaking hot summer

Record Electricity Demand Stresses U.S. Power Grid During Historic Heatwave Nationwide, small business owners are grappling with unprecedented electricity demand following a summer marked by record-breaking temperatures. New data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reveals that several regional transmission organizations have established peak hourly load records throughout 2026. PJM reached a peak

Record Heat Drives Electricity Demand to New Highs Across U.S. The summer of 2026 presented a significant challenge to the U.S. electric grid, characterized by record heat and a surge in electricity demand. Three major regional transmission organizations—PJM, ERCOT, and SPP—each established new records for peak hourly load. PJM, serving approximately 65 to 67 million

Allentown, PA – A federal emergency order has been issued to provide PJM, the regional power grid operator, with greater flexibility in managing electricity supply and preventing potential power outages. The action follows increased energy demand and unusually warm temperatures placing strain on the system. The Department of Energy's order, which took effect Tuesday, authorizes

Record Heatwave Drives Unprecedented Electricity Demand Across the U.S. The United States experienced a surge in energy consumption this summer, creating significant challenges for small business owners across the country. An exceptionally hot summer resulted in record electricity usage, according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Several regional transmission organizations have

Regional Power Grids Set Records Amidst Heat Wave Three major regional transmission organizations registered record peak hourly loads this summer, according to data from Form EIA-930 and the Hourly Electric Grid Monitor. PJM achieved a peak of 162.6 gigawatts (GW) on July 2, 2026, exceeding the previous record of 160.6 GW from June 23, 2025,

Regional power grids across the United States experienced unprecedented electricity demand this summer, with three transmission organizations setting new peak load records. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Hourly Electric Grid Monitor, PJM reached a peak demand of 162.6 gigawatts on July 2, 2026. This represents a 1.3% increase over the previous

The U.S. Department of Energy has authorized PJM Interconnection, the power grid operator for the mid-Atlantic region, to deploy backup generators as a precautionary measure through Friday, October 16th. Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued Order No. 202-26-50 on October 12th, responding to a request from PJM. The order, effective October 13th through October 16th, permits

Grid Reliability Faces New Challenges Amidst Changing Demand The traditional window for electrical grid maintenance and preparation for winter is becoming increasingly unreliable, according to a statement released this week. PJM, which coordinates electricity supply for 13 states and Washington, D.C., is facing unprecedented strain due to evolving energy consumption patterns and shifting weather conditions.

The Public Utility Commission is reviewing regulations to provide electric utilities with enhanced data management tools to address strained electricity supply and potential curtailments, with the goal of maintaining grid reliability. The proposed changes, detailed in the October 17 Pennsylvania Bulletin, are subject to public comment following formal approval of a Tentative Order on October

District of Columbia officials are evaluating the potential implementation of autonomous ride-hailing services, raising concerns about the electrical grid’s capacity to handle the increased demand. The current power infrastructure is already experiencing stress due to escalating electricity prices and heightened demand across 13 states and Washington, D.C., prompting the U.S. Department of Energy to issue

Midcontinent Independent System Operator, the power grid operator for Wisconsin and fifteen other states, has introduced new regulations for data centers connecting to the electrical grid. The proposed rules are intended to maintain grid stability amid projections of substantial increases in power demand. These regulations, submitted to federal regulators on August 28th and scheduled to

Federal regulators approve data center registry amid rising power demand The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved a plan by PJM Interconnection to establish a registry for large data centers and other significant electricity consumers. The commission issued its ruling on October 9, addressing concerns about escalating electricity needs across PJM’s service area, which encompasses