17 states under emergency power order after extreme heat raises blackout fears

NewsMore than 30 U.S. states are facing "major" or "extreme" heat this week. (Getty Images stock photo)Getty ImagesSeventeen states are under an emergency order allowing a major utility transmitter to activate idle power sources to help prevent heat wave-related blackouts.The order from the U.S. Department of Energy allows Southwest Power Pool to dispatch generation units and restructure operations as needed to maintain reliable service for utility customers, Reuters reported. READ MORE: Severe storms, dangerous heat threaten Alabama in this week’s weather forecastThe Arkansas-based company serves parts of 17 states stretching from North Dakota down to Louisiana and westward, a region of about 20 million people. The order came after SPP warned that emergency conditions would likely peak during key demand periods as high temperatures are expected to remain throughout the week.SPP operates the electric transmission system or “grid” for across the multi-state area, overseeing power reliability and the electric grid, as well as running wholesale electricity markets across the member states.“The Trump Administration is tapping into an abundant supply of unused backup generation to maintain affordable, reliable, and secure power for hardworking American families and businesses,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said in a statement.READ MORE: Tips for your AC, ideal thermostat setting to stay cool during heat wave The order allows SPP to direct resources as a “last resort” before declaring an Energy Emergency Alert 3, the highest level that means rolling blackouts are imminent or already occurring. It was issued at SPP’s request and will expire Aug. 3.The emergency order covers parts of Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.On Monday, SPP said the power grid is stable but the area remains under a Conservative Operations Advisory through Aug. 1 due to widespread high temperatures, the potential for outages and low output from wind and other variable energy resources.Leada Gore has worked with AL.com for 13 years. She’s worked in Alabama journalism for more than 30 years. She now covers breaking and trending news, with a particular emphasis on government, finances and the...