News Release

Extreme Weekend Temperatures Could Lead to Power Blackouts in Northwest US

byEnverus

Austin, Texas (June 25, 2021) — Record-high temperatures and below-average hydro-generation conditions will rock the Pacific Northwest in the coming days, with a record summer load forecast for the wholesale electrical providers in the region.

Temperatures are expected to reach or exceed all-time record highs in Seattle and Spokane, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and Boise, Idaho; after a “heat dome,” or large ridge of high pressure, that was over the southwestern U.S. and California last week reestablishes itself over the Northwestern U.S. late this week through early next week.

The heat will be a shock to residents of the region, especially those without air conditioning. Seattle and Portland rank first and third respectively for major U.S. cities with the fewest air-conditioned households, according to the U.S. Census.

And it’s showing up in Enverus’ data, too.

If you find yourself writing on this topic, please consider using one of these quotes from our lead on power analytics, Rob Allerman, Senior Director of Power Analytics.

“Due to the extreme heat, current forecasts show the Pacific Northwest reaching record summer electricity demand on Monday or 132% of average June demand. Unfortunately, supply may not be able to keep up with the record demand we’ll see over the coming days with forecasted temperatures exceeding all-time record highs.  Enverus is forecasting Pacific Northwest hydro-generation on Monday to be 3,000 megawatts (MW) below average during this period.  In addition, 1,300 MW of coal generation was retired earlier this year reducing supply even more.  However, to address this gap, scheduled Transmission work between Southern California and Pacific Northwest was canceled for next week which will allow Southern California to send power into the Northwest. Usually, it’s the other way around.

This event will lead to scarcity wholesale power pricing for the rest of June. While it is still hard to say where wholesale prices will end up at the end of this event, the data shows a risk for rolling blackouts in the region.

The heat will be a shock to residents of the region, especially since many are without air conditioning. We are hoping that residents will be prepared for the heat and stay safe during this difficult time.”

Enverus is continually monitoring the ongoing power issues impacting utility customers throughout the country.

Members of the media should contact Jon Haubert to schedule an interview with one of Enverus’ expert analysts.

READ ANALYSIS

Picture of Enverus

Enverus

Energy’s most trusted SaaS platform — creating intelligent connections that uncover insights and opportunities to deliver extraordinary outcomes.

Related News

Enverus Press Release - Forecasting the unpredictable President Trump
News Release
ByEnverus

Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, has released its latest Fundamental Edge report, which focuses on global drivers for oil and gas prices through 2030,...

Enverus Press Release - Utica oil: America’s modest middleweight contender
News Release
ByEnverus

Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, has released a new analysis of recent well performance and economics in the Utica shale and how it compares...

Enverus Intelligence® Research Press Release - Lower oil prices could lead to Permian spending cuts
News Release
ByEnverus

Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, has released a report examining the Permian Basin’s production and drilling activity if operators cut spending next year to...

Enverus Press Release - Enverus Earns Top Workplaces Honors for Fourth Consecutive Year
News Release
ByEnverus

Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, has once again been recognized as a Top Workplace by both the Austin American-Statesman and Houston Chronicle, marking the fourth consecutive year for this prestigious honor.

Enverus Intelligence® Research Press Release - Canada’s Montney and Duverney: North America’s most abundant unconventional resource plays
News Release
ByEnverus

Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, is releasing its annual Montney and Duvernay Play Fundamentals that examines recent drilling trends, well inventory counts and associated...

Enverus Intelligence® Research Press Release - Haynesville operators calculate remaining growth
News Release
ByEnverus

Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, is releasing its annual Haynesville Play Fundamentals that examines the distribution of remaining inventory across the play using economic...

Enverus Intelligence® Research Press Release - Opening New Mexico’s Delaware Basin and the potash problem palliated
News Release
ByEnverus

Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, has released a report that explores the resource potential of the Known Potash Leasing Area in the Delaware Basin...

Enverus - RatedPower Press Release - RatedPower expands efficiency and precision with solar project design software release
News Release
ByEnverus

RatedPower, a part of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, is releasing new software updates aimed to further assist solar developers, engineering, procurement and construction firms giving them greater flexibility in designing...

Enverus Press Release - No pain, no gain: Short-term headwinds for natural gas could bring beneficial long-term tailwinds
News Release
ByEnverus

Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, has released its updated natural gas outlook through 2035.

Find Out How Enverus Can Help Your Business

Subscribe to the Energy Blog

A weekly update on the latest “no-fluff” insight and analysis of the energy industry.

Let’s get started!

We’ll follow up right away to show you a quick product tour.

Let’s get started!

We’ll follow up right away to show you a quick product tour.

Get Started

Register Today

Sign Up

Power Your Insights

Connect with an Expert

Access Product Tour

Speak to an Expert