PJM has extended a Maximum Generation Alert and Load Management Alert to June 25 as hot weather conditions continue throughout the region PJM serves.
A Maximum Generation Alert and Load Management Alert remain in effect for June 24. This alert does not require any action from customers.
The alert is targeted at transmission/generation owners who then determine if any maintenance or testing on equipment can be deferred or canceled. By deferring maintenance, the units stay online and continue to produce energy that is needed.
The alert is also a procedural step that serves to notify neighboring regions that exports of electricity outside of the PJM footprint may need to be curtailed, and they should plan accordingly.
PJM issues this alert at the same time as a Load Management Alert, which gives advance notification that load management action may be declared, including non-Emergency and Emergency Demand Response. Demand Response programs pay customers in advance who sign up to allow reduction of their electricity use in emergencies.
PJM issues a NERC EEA Level 1, or EEA-1, in conjunction with a Maximum Generation Alert. NERC defines an EEA-1 as when a grid operator foresees or is experiencing conditions where all available resources are committed to meet electricity load, firm transactions and reserve commitments, and is concerned about sustaining its required contingency reserves.
PJM Serves Highest Peak Electricity Demand in Over a Decade
PJM served a preliminary hourly integrated peak load of 160,526 MW between 5 and 6 p.m. Eastern on June 23. This exceeds PJM’s summer forecast load of 154,000 MW and is the highest demand recorded on the PJM system since 2011.
PJM’s record summer peak load is 165,563 MW, which was set in 2006. One megawatt can power about 800 homes.
As of June 24, PJM is expecting to serve a forecasted load across the RTO of approximately:
- 161,000 MW on June 24
- 155,000 MW on June 25
- 148,500 MW on June 26
One megawatt can power about 800 homes.
Contracted Demand Response Programs Used in Mid-Atlantic and Dominion Regions To Meet Customer Load
PJM declared a Pre-Emergency Load Management Reduction Action around 1 p.m. on June 23 for its Mid-Atlantic and Dominion regions, calling on contracted demand response programs to provide additional resources for the power grid.
These demand response programs compensate residential, commercial and industrial customers who have opted in to reduce their electricity use when dispatched. All participating customers have agreed in advance to the terms of these programs with their energy providers.
PJM noted in its summer outlook the possibility that these demand response programs would be needed to serve electricity demand.
Around 1 p.m. on June 24, PJM declared a Pre-Emergency Load Management Reduction Action for activation between 3–4:30 p.m. throughout the PJM footprint to provide additional resources for the power grid.
June 25 update: PJM also declared a Pre-Emergency Load Management Reduction Action around 1 p.m. on June 25 for its Mid-Atlantic and Dominion regions for activation at 3 p.m.
Hot Weather Alert In Effect Through June 26
PJM has also extended a Hot Weather Alert for its entire service area, which was initially scheduled to expire June 25, through Thursday, June 26.
A Hot Weather Alert is a routine procedure PJM issues ahead of forecasted 90-plus-degree weather and/or high humidity to prepare transmission and generation personnel and facilities for expected increases in electricity demand, or load.
Read more about PJM’s emergency procedures and messages (PDF).