PJM’s Power Auction and the Quiet Onset of Civilizational Simplification
Complex societies eventually encounter problems they cannot afford to solve. (Joseph Tainter)
If you’ve been doubting that civilization may be about to enter a period of profound simplification, consider this.
In an article that got little notice and was soon buried by holiday-and-sports-themed stories, a few days ago a Pittsburgh newspaper published a story with this lede: “PJM’s Power Auction Shortfall Could Lead to Increased Blackout Risks in Pa., Other States”
The article tells us that people in Pennsylvania and 12 other states may face increased blackout risks as data centers soak up electricity.
PJM Interconnection is the regional grid operator that manages power distribution to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and ten other states. PJM doesn’t generate electricity — it buys it from privately owned power companies at an annual generation capacity auction, a competitive bidding process among power generators and other energy suppliers. The final clearing price is set at the intersection of supply and demand for a target reserve amount. The entire process is subject to oversight and approved market rules set by the Federal…
