Richmond's October heat fuels a regional power emergency

Richmond is sweltering through near-record October heat, just as the federal government has issued an emergency order to help keep the Mid-Atlantic's power grid running.

Why it matters: The order is designed to prevent blackouts amid unusually high electricity demand — but that doesn't mean your lights are about to go out.

Regional grid operator PJM says customers don't need to take any action right now.

Driving the news: The U.S. Department of Energy issued the emergency order Monday, giving PJM additional tools to keep electricity flowing through Friday.

The problem: Utilities typically schedule maintenance during cooler fall months, when electricity demand is lower. But this week, temperatures are expected to run 10–20 degrees above normal across PJM's territory, Dominion Energy spokesperson Jeremy Slayton tells Axios.

The order allows PJM to tap additional power generation, temporarily exceed certain environmental permit restrictions and, as a last resort, direct data centers and other major electricity users to switch to backup generators.

Threat level: Dominion's service area, which includes Richmond and Northern Virginia, was identified as one of three areas facing the most acute grid challenges across PJM's 13-state territory, along with the Baltimore and D.C. areas, according to the order.

Yes, but: Dominion confirmed Wednesday that none of the data centers it serves have been switched to backup generators because of the order or elevated grid conditions.

Zoom out: PJM says its emergency measures are intended to keep the grid reliable, not signal that widespread outages are imminent.

PJM hasn't had to call on backup generators at large facilities under similar emergency orders this year.

So far, customers aren't being asked to voluntarily conserve energy.

Pro tips: Dominion offered some tips for saving money during the unusual October heat.

Raise thermostats 3–4 degrees, use ceiling fans, close blinds and shutters, and run dishwashers and washing machines after dark.

What they're saying: Dominion says the emergency underscores the need to build more power plants and transmission infrastructure to meet growing electricity demand.

And PJM says that demand is growing faster than new power generation can come online, while "unseasonable weather patterns" are leaving fewer opportunities for routine maintenance.

The grid operator faced similar conditions for six months this year, PJM spokesperson Jeff Shields tells Axios.

What's next: The emergency order runs through Friday, though PJM says additional measures could be necessary depending on grid conditions.

Some relief is on the way after Richmond's 90-degree Wednesday heat.

Temperatures are expected to drop into the low 70s Thursday before climbing back into the upper 80s Friday.

The bottom line: No need to panic — or unplug your air conditioner. But an October power emergency is another reminder of the now year-round challenges facing the region's electricity grid.