Dozens of Virginia data centers abruptly disconnected from the power grid in July 2024 and February 2025. These mass disconnections affected up to 70 facilities simultaneously. Malfunctions on high-voltage power lines triggered the events, forcing facilities to switch to on-site backup generators.
The sudden drop in electricity demand forced grid operator PJM Interconnection to take emergency action. PJM rapidly reduced power supply to prevent damage to the regional grid infrastructure.
Regulators and utility operators identify these incidents as a novel threat to grid stability. Officials warn that larger simultaneous losses of data center load could overwhelm balancing mechanisms and trigger widespread outages.