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Electric utilities are preparing for heavy demand and potential extended power outages due to an upcoming winter storm. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has requested grid operators to ensure backup generation for critical facilities, including data centers.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) anticipates its most critical period between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. on Monday, with power prices potentially spiking to $5,000 per megawatt-hour. The stability of the market will depend on demand, wind output, power failures, and gas availability.

For PJM, covering 13 states and the District of Columbia, the peak demand is expected on Tuesday, requiring continuous operation at maximum capacity. ERCOT reports sufficient supply to manage the storm, bolstered by increased solar and battery storage since Winter Storm Uri in 2021. PJM also expects adequate resources for its 67 million customers but warns of vulnerability due to potential generator outages.