Record Breaking Heat Wave Strains Nevada’s Electrical Grid to Its Limits

Despite the fact that Nevada is experiencing a record-breaking heat wave that is burning the state, NV Energy is encouraging consumers to raise their thermostats to 78 degrees.

NV Energy has issued many comments advising consumers to limit energy consumption during heat waves. They assert that lowering air conditioning use will reduce power shortages during peak demand.

“The current heat wave is forecast to last through Wednesday, September 7. We appreciate the efforts of our customers to reduce their energy use and urge them to continue to conserve during this heat wave, especially between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 p.m,” says a spokesman for NV energy.

The calls for energy conservation have been met with opposition.

As a paying client, Jessie Wilson believes she should be entitled to use as much air conditioning as she desires, especially during a heat wave.

The request from NV Energy produced the following inquiries. Is the electrical grid failing to meet demand, and if so, what is being done to remedy the situation?

The solution is climate and infrastructure.

This is not an NV Energy issue, as we are interconnected with utilities throughout the western hemisphere, and we are experiencing a historic heat wave that has never been experienced before, not only at this time of year, but possibly ever, which exceeds the expectations of a system that was designed in some cases decades ago, according to Jesse Murray, the vice president of electric delivery and natural disaster protection for NV Energy.

The Energy Office of Governor Steve Sisolak is aware of the difficulties surrounding the unreliability of the western electricity system.

“As we continue to see climate change-driven extreme weather events, like this week’s west wide heatwave, Nevada’s work toward a long-term regional grid is vital to the state and our partners’ work on grid resilience,” Governor’s Office of Energy Director David Bobzien said.

“We are working with partners to prepare Nevada’s application for the $5.2 million per year formula funding for projects that improve grid resilience (from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law). However, the work that’s being done in Nevada and throughout the west to join a regional market is what will address a more resilient and reliable electric grid, as well as create more renewable energy export opportunities for regional electricity load sharing.”

Credits: Fox 11

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