Surging electricity demand from data centers and air conditioning amid seasonally hot late-September temperatures is tightening operating margins across multiple U.S. grids, prompting operators to issue resource advisories and monitor for potential Energy Emergency Alerts. The Southwest Power Pool declared a Resource Advisory for its East Balancing Authority Area effective September 28 due to forecast uncertainty, elevated loads, and possible shortfalls in wind and solar output, while NERC’s 2026 Summer Reliability Assessment flagged elevated risks in ERCOT’s Far West, parts of the Northwest, and New England under extreme heat or low renewable generation. PJM’s new capacity advisory framework reflects sustained pressure from AI-driven loads even outside peak weather events. With only days remaining before October 1, traders are watching NOAA temperature updates, next EIA demand data, and any regional operator declarations that could trigger formal emergency status before the window closes.