Periods of extreme weather place added stress on the electric system, especially when demand increases quickly across the region. At the same time, electricity use continues to grow as communities, businesses, and technology evolve.
Several factors contribute to higher regional demand:
- More frequent extreme heat and cold, which increase heating and cooling use
- Population and economic growth, leading to higher overall electricity needs
- Large electricity users, such as data centers and industrial facilities, that operate around the clock
- Greater reliance on electricity for daily life, work, and essential services
Managing demand during these conditions helps:
- Maintain grid stability
- Protect essential services like hospitals and emergency responders
- Reduce the risk of long-lasting, uncontrolled outages