Story perspectives

PJM Cranks Up Generators as Heat Dome Spikes Prices

7/3/2026

Summary

PJM Boosts Output

PJM ordered generators to run at max output and activated idle plants Thursday evening.
Operating reserves fell to about 5 GW while market clearing prices surged to almost $28,000 per megawatt hour from $100.
PJM prepared demand-response resources and told dispatchers to notify management and consider conservation appeals.
The heat dome is expected to persist through the July 4 weekend, affecting the 67 million-person service area, including the world’s largest data-center hub.

Summary

Wright Orders Generators

Energy Secretary Chris Wright ordered PJM data centers to run diesel/natural-gas generators to ease grid strain.
Experts warned the generators could increase nitrogen-oxide and particulate emissions, worsening air quality, as PJM has fewer battery storage units than California or Texas.
The Energy Department reported 35 GW of backup generation nationwide without regional detail, while Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to set AC to 78 °F and unplug appliances despite being outside PJM.

Summary

Virginia Approves

Virginia’s environmental agency approved over 8,000 diesel generators for data centers, adding 3,790 permits in 2025.
Auditors report that one-third of Virginia data centers sit within 500 feet of homes or schools.
Residents of Prince William County fear diesel fumes will worsen air quality as 33 data centers operate and 31 are planned.
Elena Schlossberg, heading a Prince William County grassroots opposition, warned neighbors they are “screwed” between outages and pollution.

1 of 3

PJM Boosts Output

PJM ordered generators to run at max output and activated idle plants Thursday evening.
Operating reserves fell to about 5 GW while market clearing prices surged to almost $28,000 per megawatt hour from $100.
PJM prepared demand-response resources and told dispatchers to notify management and consider conservation appeals.
The heat dome is expected to persist through the July 4 weekend, affecting the 67 million-person service area, including the world’s largest data-center hub.

1 / 3