Diesel may rise as grids authorize data center backup generators

The U.S. Department of Energy authorized PJM Interconnection and two Duke Energy units to direct data centers and other large facilities to run backup generators as a last-resort step to help prevent rolling blackouts, allowing power to be redirected to households as heating demand strains supplies.

The U.S. Department of Energy has authorized grid operators to direct some large facilities to run backup generators as a last-resort measure. The decision comes as heating demand tests the limits of electricity supplies and grid managers seek ways to avoid rolling blackouts. The article frames the move as allowing power normally going to industrial-scale customers to be redirected to households. Known details: - The DOE authorized PJM Interconnection LLC and two units of Duke Energy to direct data centers and other large facilities to run backup generators. - The authorization is described as a last-resort step intended to prevent rolling blackouts. - The move effectively allows power that would have been supplied to industrial-scale customers to be diverted to households as heating demand increases. - No specific next procedural or legal steps were announced in the report. Summary: The authorization gives grid operators an additional operational tool to manage tight winter demand by allowing large facilities to operate backup generators and redirect power to households. Undetermined at this time.