Energy Secretary Chris Wright authorized PJM to direct backup generation resources to operate as a last resort before declaring a level three energy emergency alert on Tuesday night. ^[1] The US Department of Energy warned of heightened blackout risks in the PJM Interconnection, the largest US electric grid serving 67 million people from Washington DC to Chicago, due to intense heat testing capacity. ^[2] Millions of homes and businesses across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic face an increased threat of power outages on Wednesday as intense heat places severe strain on electricity networks. ^[3] Temperatures in Chicago, St. Louis, and Washington DC were expected to rise above 90F (32C) during peak electricity demand. ^[4] The Department of Energy stated the move was part of a plan to stabilize the Mid-Atlantic grid and mitigate the risk of blackouts. ^[5] Forecasts indicate temperatures will surpass 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) in major urban centers including St. Louis, Chicago, and Washington D.C. during peak energy hours. ^[6] The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) projected demand could reach nearly 121 gigawatts, nearing its all-time record of 127.1 GW, across the 15 states it manages. ^[7] The U.S. Department of Energy raised concerns regarding potential blackouts within the PJM Interconnection, the country's largest grid network, which supplies 67 million residents between Chicago and Washington D.C. ^[8]