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The summer of 2026 started with a clear example of why grid flexibility is important. Between June 28 and July 5, a large heat dome covered much of the eastern United States and eastern Canada, pushing temperatures into the triple digits in many places. As homes and businesses increasingly relied on air conditioning to stay cool, electricity demand rose sharply, placing strain on the electric grid.

Before summer began, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reported in their 2026 Summer Reliability Assessment that most regions in the United States and Canada had enough resources to meet demand under normal conditions. However, NERC also warned that higher-than-normal temperatures could increase reliability risks in many areas. In addition, peak demand across North America rose by more than 11 GW compared to summer 2025, adding further pressure to the grid.

During this heat dome, as temperatures rose and electricity use increased, grid operators turned once again to a trusted reliability resource: demand response. Across multiple regions, demand response events were called to reduce electricity use during peak times, helping keep the grid stable and reducing stress on the system. The events of the week showed again that demand response is one of the most effective tools for grid operators and utilities when extreme weather threatens reliability.

How Enel’s demand response portfolio supported the grid 

From June 28 to July 5, the Enel North America team activated our demand response portfolio across affected regions as warranted by grid conditions. During these eight days, demand response supported grid reliability in California, MISO, PJM Interconnection, New England, New York, and Ontario, as well as in four utility programs operated exclusively by Enel in the Southeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest.

The first demand response events happened in the last three days of June, starting in California, MISO, Ontario, and utility areas in the Southeast and Midwest. As the heat grew stronger and moved east, demand response activity expanded into New York, New England, and the Pacific Northwest starting July 1.

The grid was under the most stress on July 2 and July 3, which were the hottest days of the heat wave. During this time, PJM and additional utilities in New England and New York joined the grid operators and utilities already leveraging demand response to help keep the system balanced. On July 2 alone, Enel dispatched nearly 11,700 MWh of demand response. This amount increased on July 3, with over 14,300 MWh dispatched.

Demand response continued to be important during the Independence Day holiday weekend. Events continued to be called across New England, New York, and the Pacific Northwest through July 5, as system conditions slowly returned to normal.

By the end of the heat wave, Enel’s demand response portfolio delivered more than 2,200 MW of total dispatch, supported more than 28,500 MWh of dispatched energy, and helped avoid more than 6,000 metric tons of CO₂e emissions. These results underscore the important reality that demand response is not just for emergencies anymore. It is a proven and scalable solution that helps utilities and grid operators keep the grid reliable, manage peak demand quickly and efficiently, and support a cleaner, stronger energy system when it is needed most.

Most importantly, these results were made possible by our customers’ commitment. Thank you for supporting grid reliability during this important week, including over the Independence Day holiday weekend.

Regional highlights

PJM

According to preliminary reports, PJM recorded an estimated peak load of 168,158 MW on July 2, setting a new all-time system peak record. At the same time, the average temperature across PJM’s footprint also reached 97°F, making it the hottest day in PJM history.

As electricity demand climbed toward its late-afternoon peak, several generators unexpectedly tripped offline, tightening operating conditions. To maintain reliability, PJM called on demand response resources and maximized available generation. PJM also sought Department of Energy approvals to temporarily relax certain environmental permit restrictions on generators and direct transmission owners to curtail data centers and other large loads that can operate on backup generation.

New England

Demand response activity began at the local utility level on July 1. Then on July 2, ISO New England (ISO-NE), the region’s grid operator, experienced a peak load of 25,351, the highest demand level observed in the region in 2026. For perspective, a typical summer peak in New England is approximately 18,000 MW. 

Facing tight operating reserves and limited surplus for unforeseen events, ISO-NE called on demand response and generation resources while encouraging consumers to conserve electricity. Elevated demand persisted through July 3, with localized demand response continuing through July 5.

New York

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) and local utilities activated demand response beginning July 1. NYISO issued an Energy Watch on July 2 due to declining operating reserves as temperatures and electricity demand continued to increase.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), state-wide demand reached approximately 31,000 MW on July 2. In New York City, Con Edison temporarily shut off power for 9,800 customers due to heat-related equipment issues and high demand. Demand response resources continued supporting reliability efforts across NYISO and local utilities through July 4.

MISO

While much of the eastern United States experienced system stress on July 2 and July 3, MISO reached its highest demand levels several days earlier. The system peaked at approximately 121,000 MW on June 30 – the highest demand level in more than a decade, according to the EIA.

How the Enel team prepares customers for success when the grid needs them most

As grid operators depend more on demand response during extreme weather, it is more important than ever for participants to be ready. When demand response is needed, grid operators count on enrolled resources to show up. Success takes more than making that initial step of signing up. It requires planning, education, technology, and expert support.

At Enel, making sure our customers are prepared is central to how we work. We are committed not only to supporting grid reliability but also helping customers get the most value from their participation. This includes helping them capture all revenue opportunities on the table, such as annual capacity payments and bonus energy payments for reducing their energy consumption during events.

That’s why our team at Enel helps customers by:

• Monitoring grid conditions 24/7, so customers can stay focused on running their operations while we track evolving system needs. 
• Providing proactive communications when grid conditions indicate an elevated likelihood of dispatches, so customers can prepare. 
• Offering real-time event coaching and support to help customers achieve strong performance and maximize earnings.

Thanks to this proactive approach, Enel’s demand response customers are expected to earn $10 million to $20 million in energy payments – that’s earnings from the events between June 28 and July 5 alone. These earnings are in addition to annual capacity payments and show the value of working with a demand response provider that helps customers make the most of every opportunity while supporting a more reliable grid.

Connect with our team

With extreme weather events placing increasing pressure on the system, grid operators and utilities need more capacity than ever to ensure grid reliability – and your company can help. By participating in demand response, your company can get paid for every MW you can reduce during times of grid strain. It’s a win-win for your company and the grid. 

Interested in how demand response can create new revenue opportunities for your business and support grid reliability? Now is the time to start reaching out to see how your company can get involved. Contact our team to learn about demand response programs available in your area and how much you could earn.