1. The record: During a recent heat wave, the Midwest’s electric grid operator found itself operating near the grid’s all-time peak usage record.
2. Other pressures: Recent high-tech economic growth is also increasing demand on the system. With 172 data centers, Ohio has more data centers than neighbors Pennsylvania, Michigan and Indiana combined.
3. Dire warning: With demand rising faster than capacity, Ohio’s electric grid is at risk of being overwhelmed as early as 2027, a business advocate warned Ohio lawmakers this spring.
4. Losing sleep: Tom asked Asim Haque, PJM Interconnection’s senior vice president of governmental and member services (and a former Springfield resident), if he loses sleep over this. “1,000%,” he answered, without hesitating.
5. The full story: Go here for Tom’s full story, including discussion of what can be done to keep the system running.
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