Why Summer Heat Puts Maryland’s Power Grid At Risk — And How To Prepare

CALIFORNIA, Md. — When temperatures climb across Maryland, air conditioners, fans and refrigeration systems often run for hours at a time. That widespread demand for electricity can place added stress on the power grid, especially during extended heat waves that affect communities from Southern Maryland to Baltimore, Anne Arundel County and the Washington region.

Understanding why the grid experiences more strain during hot weather can help residents make informed decisions before extreme temperatures arrive. While utilities such as Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) and Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) work throughout the year to maintain equipment and prepare for seasonal demand, and the Maryland Public Service Commission monitors utility reliability and safety statewide, individual households also play an important role by planning ahead and using electricity efficiently.

What Happens During Periods Of High Demand

The electric grid is designed to balance electricity generation with customer demand in real time. During mild weather, demand is generally more predictable. As temperatures rise, however, many homes and businesses begin cooling indoor spaces at roughly the same time.

That increase in electricity use can create periods of especially high demand, often referred to as peak demand. Utilities monitor these conditions closely and may encourage customers to reduce electricity use during the busiest hours of the day. BGE, for example, operates a demand-response program called PeakRewards that cycles enrolled customers’ central air conditioning compressors or heat pumps for brief intervals, typically on weekdays between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. from May through September, according to the utility. BGE says the program, along with occasional “Energy Savings Days” when customers are asked to voluntarily cut back, helps reduce strain on the grid and improve reliability

The Maryland Public Service Commission, which regulates the state’s electric utilities, says its Engineering Division “monitors the operations of public service companies for safety, efficiency, reliability and quality of service,” including during periods of high seasonal demand.

Extreme heat can also affect electrical equipment. High temperatures may reduce the efficiency of some components and increase wear on infrastructure that is already operating under heavier loads. At the same time, thunderstorms, strong winds or heavy rain that sometimes accompany summer weather can create additional challenges for electric service.

Why Maryland Residents Should Prepare

Maryland experiences a range of summer weather, from humid afternoons along the Chesapeake Bay to prolonged stretches of high temperatures farther inland. Even if widespread outages do not occur, localized power interruptions can happen for many reasons.

Preparation can make a significant difference for families, older adults, people with medical equipment that depends on electricity and households with young children or pets. Taking steps before an outage is generally easier than trying to gather supplies after electricity has already been interrupted.

Residents should also pay attention to local weather forecasts and community emergency information during periods of extreme heat. County emergency management offices, such as Montgomery County’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management often share updates about cooling centers and other public resources when dangerous temperatures are expected.

Practical Ways To Reduce Electricity Use

Using less electricity during the hottest parts of the day may help lower household energy costs while easing pressure on the grid.

• Set the thermostat at a comfortable but efficient temperature.
• Use ceiling fans to improve air circulation when appropriate.
• Close blinds or curtains during the sunniest hours to reduce indoor heat gain.
• Delay energy-intensive chores, such as laundry or dishwashing, until the evening when possible.
• Turn off lights and electronics that are not being used.
• Replace or clean HVAC filters according to manufacturer recommendations to help cooling systems operate efficiently.

These small actions may not eliminate demand during a heat wave, but they can contribute to more efficient energy use across many households. Customers enrolled in programs such as BGE’s PeakRewards may also receive monthly bill credits in exchange for allowing brief adjustments during periods of peak demand, according to the utility.

How To Prepare For A Possible Outage

Having a basic outage plan can help reduce stress if electricity is interrupted during hot weather. SMECO recommends stocking flashlights with fresh batteries, a battery-powered radio, nonperishable food such as canned goods and crackers, a manual can opener and extra water, and suggests keeping a vehicle’s gas tank full and having cash on hand, since “credit cards and ATM machines may not work if the power is out,” according to the cooperative’s outage preparedness guidance.

Keep portable phone chargers charged before severe weather arrives. If you depend on refrigerated medications, review storage guidance in advance and have a backup plan if power is unavailable for an extended period. SMECO advises households with members who rely on electricity for life-support equipment to plan for “alternate sources of power or lodging.”

Residents who use electrically powered medical devices should discuss emergency planning with health care providers and understand available backup options. It is also helpful to know where nearby cooling centers or public buildings may be available if temperatures become unsafe.

Food safety is another important consideration. During an outage, keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible helps preserve cold temperatures, SMECO says, and the cooperative directs customers to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for further guidance on reducing food-borne illness risk. Once electricity returns, inspect perishable foods carefully and follow food safety guidance before consuming items that may have become too warm.

If you own a portable generator, SMECO advises placing it “outside, never in the house, garage, attic, crawl space, or basement,” warning that carbon monoxide from generators can be deadly. Follow all manufacturer instructions and never connect a generator directly to household wiring unless the system has been installed for that purpose by a qualified professional. Both SMECO and BGE also offer online outage maps and phone lines for reporting service interruptions; SMECO’s outage line can be reached at (877) 747-6326.

Looking Out For Neighbors

Heat waves can be especially dangerous for older adults, people with chronic health conditions and anyone without reliable air conditioning. Checking on neighbors, relatives or friends during prolonged periods of extreme heat can help identify problems early.

Montgomery County’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security advises residents to identify cooling locations such as libraries, senior centers, recreation centers and shopping malls before an emergency occurs, and to check on friends, family and neighbors for signs of heat-related illness. The county also highlights its “Be Cool Montgomery” campaign, which reminds outdoor workers of their rights to water, shade and rest, and encourages residents to sign up for Alert Montgomery for real-time notifications. Other Maryland counties and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management offer similar alert systems and cooling center information.

Simple actions, such as confirming someone has access to drinking water, a cool place to stay and a way to charge communication devices, can make a meaningful difference during extended hot weather.

Community organizations, faith groups and local governments may also provide assistance during periods of extreme heat. Knowing what resources are available before they are needed can make emergency situations easier to manage.

Staying Informed Throughout The Summer

Reliable information is one of the most valuable tools during heat waves. Maryland residents should monitor local weather forecasts, sign up for emergency alerts when available and follow guidance from their utility company and local emergency management officials. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management, formerly known as the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, describes itself as “Maryland’s official home for emergency management info, resources, and support” and maintains the mdready.maryland.gov preparedness portal. SMECO and BGE also post outage maps and storm updates on their own websites, smeco.coop and bgesmartenergy.com.

Summer heat is a recurring part of life across Maryland, and periods of high electricity demand are likely to continue whenever temperatures remain elevated for several days. Although no one can prevent every outage, preparing a household in advance, using electricity efficiently and staying aware of changing conditions can improve safety and comfort throughout the season.

For families across Southern Maryland, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore and the Washington suburbs, planning ahead before the next heat wave arrives is one of the simplest ways to reduce disruptions and respond more confidently if the power goes out.

Frequently Asked Questions

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