DOE Authorizes Backup Power in 17 States as Heatwave Threatens Grid
Updated
Updated · WOWT · Jul 27
DOE Authorizes Backup Power in 17 States as Heatwave Threatens Grid
3 articles · Updated · WOWT · Jul 27
Summary
An emergency DOE order issued Sunday lets the Southwest Power Pool tap backup generation across 17 states to head off a formal grid emergency during a dangerous heatwave.
SPP warned that high peak demand could coincide with weak wind output, a combination the order says could trigger outages if extra supply is not brought online.
More than 35 gigawatts of unused backup generation remains available nationwide, and the federal order is set to run through late Monday, Aug. 3.
SPP had already posted resource advisories on July 18 and July 24 for outage risk in its eastern footprint, including Nebraska; the latest advisory runs until 7 p.m. Thursday, July 30.
Nebraska utility OPPD said the advisory does not require conservation or service interruptions, contrasting with SPP's December 2022 Level 1 emergency during extreme cold and record demand above 47,000 MW.