Home · Business · Sep 9 archive
California Grid Strained by Heat Wave as Power Demand Surges
Developing
In Short: California's power grid is facing significant strain as a heat wave drives up electricity demand, with peak usage expected to fall short of previous records.
The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories across California, particularly in the Central Valley and coastal areas, as temperatures soar. This surge in cooling demand is putting pressure on the power grid, especially in the evening when solar power generation diminishes.
According to forecasts by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), peak power demand is expected to reach 47,379 megawatts on Wednesday, falling short of the September 2022 record of 52,061 megawatts. Thursday's forecasted peak is around 45,183 megawatts.
Wholesale power prices are already reflecting the anticipated increase in demand, with Southern California's SP15 hub seeing a significant rise in its day-ahead price for Tuesday's 6 p.m. period. Grid monitoring company Arcus Power compiled this data using its NRGStream platform.
The California Independent System Operator operates the power grid serving approximately 80% of California and a small part of Nevada, highlighting the critical role it plays in managing the state's energy needs during extreme weather conditions.
What's still developing
- Sinopec Sees China Oil Demand Falling 8.9% in 2026 The leading economics blog online covering financial issues, geopolitics and trading.
Sources
- Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.comlink