PJM says Thursday’s demand could break its 2006 summer hourly integrated record peak of 165,563 MW. The grid operator has recieved approval to curtail data centers and other large loads “as a last resort.”

The AI boom is colliding with a warming planet, leading to power curtailments in Virginia, nuclear shutdowns in France, and a $3.3 trillion warning.

Grid operators warn the US heatwave could send electricity demand near record levels before Fourth of July weekend.

GridStatus data shows the PJM grid was kept afloat...