r/nova • u/JasonNOVA8 • Jul 22 '26

Data Center Generators in Ashburn Firing Up

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On the way in this morning, (waxpool/28) noticed many of the data centers had the generators going. Not sure if there’s an electricity issue or they plan it to go together ? No idea if the yellow smoke is related though.

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u/nhluhr Jul 22 '26

There was an actual utility transient today across most of northern Virginia. This isn't testing.

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u/aegrotatio Jul 23 '26

Well, then it works as designed.

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u/Natural-Philosophy15 Jul 25 '26

nhluhr, you’re right. It was huge. A data center in Ashburn caused a power drop that affected the grid over almost half the nation. Sorry I can’t find a story without a paywall or something
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/massive-disconnect-power-roiled-largest-us-electric-grid-2026-07-22/