The US government urged grid operators to secure backup power from data centers and other facilities as a severe winter storm threatens widespread blackouts. This emergency measure aims to prevent power outages during peak demand periods when heating needs surge across affected regions.

Data centers consume roughly 1% of US electricity and often maintain diesel generators or battery systems for continuous operations. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requested these facilities make backup capacity available to the grid, potentially creating emergency revenue opportunities for operators.

Energy markets are watching how this grid reliability test unfolds. Companies like Equinix and Digital Realty may benefit from emergency power sales. Regulators could expand such programs if winter storms become more frequent, reshaping how data centers participate in energy markets long-term.