Clean energy helped the grid avoid heat-wave catastrophe

Last week's heat wave pushed the U.S. power grid to record demand as homeowners across the country ran air conditioners and heat pumps (heating and cooling systems that also work as AC) to stay cool. The grid held up, and solar and wind power played a big part in that. In Texas, solar covered more than 30% of demand during a record-setting July peak. In New England, offshore wind farms and a new Canada-to-U.S. power line brought in extra electricity, helping the region burn less oil than during a similar heat wave last year. Wind also helped keep the lights on across the central U.S., from North Dakota to northern Texas.

Not everything went smoothly. A new transmission line meant to bring hydropower from Canada into New York City, called the Champlain Hudson Power Express, shut down on July Fourth due to an issue in Quebec. Luckily the heat wave was easing by then, so it wasn't a major problem this time. But that line is expected to become more important as older natural gas plants in the region retire.

The takeaway for homeowners: the grid's growing mix of solar, wind, and hydropower is helping prevent blackouts during extreme heat, even as demand keeps climbing. That matters if you rely on air conditioning or a heat pump during summer heat waves, since a more resilient grid means fewer disruptions to your own power. Still, with hotter summers and rising electricity demand from data centers, grid operators say the system will keep facing tougher tests ahead.