UPDATED 4 p.m., May 18, 2026
PJM has issued a Maximum Generation Alert and Load Management Alert for the PJM footprint for Tuesday, May 19, with a Hot Weather Alert in place for most of the PJM footprint.
A Maximum Generation Alert and Load Management Alert were already in place for May 18. PJM forecasted electricity demand to peak at approximately 134,000 MW around 5 p.m. on May 18, with a peak of approximately 136,000 MW expected for May 19.
The Maximum Generation 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 to serve electricity demand, or load, within the PJM region.
Additionally, this alert provides notice to neighboring systems that electricity exports from PJM may be curtailed on May 18. The alert serves as a procedural step that allows those neighboring regions affected to 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.
Pre-Emergency Demand Response Called in BGE, DOM, PEPCO
PJM activated Demand Response customers in parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Dominion on May 18. PJM called on Pre-Emergency Demand Response for BGE, Dominion and PEPCO areas for Monday afternoon/evening to address localized transmission constraints and to preserve the run-time of generators that will be needed for the hot weather and higher electricity demand expected over the next two days.
Demand response or load management customers are paid to reduce their electricity consumption to ease load during critical periods.
Hot Weather Alerts
A Hot Weather Alert is in effect for the entire RTO footprint on May 18, and a Hot Weather Alert for May 19 has been expanded to include all PJM zones except the ComEd territory in northern Illinois. A similar alert was issued Monday morning for May 20 in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern zones.
A Hot Weather Alert is a routine procedure PJM issues ahead of forecasted hot weather and/or high humidity to prepare transmission and generation personnel and facilities for expected increases in load. This procedure does not require any action from customers.
Temperatures in the 90s over much of the PJM footprint are driving increased electricity demand this week during the heart of the shoulder season, when generation and transmission owners perform maintenance so equipment will be available during peak summer heat in June through August. PJM will continue to monitor weather forecasts to determine whether to extend or expand any of the emergency procedures already issued and add any additional actions as necessary.
Forecast Peaks
As of May 18, PJM was expecting to serve the following approximate peak loads on May 18–20:
| Date | Forecast Peak Load |
| May 18 | 134,027 MW |
| May 19 | 135,961 MW |
| May 20 | 119,103 MW |
These numbers are official as of 3 p.m. on May 18, 2026. They are subject to change and will be updated periodically.
A dedicated team of operators uses sophisticated technology to balance supply and demand and direct the power grid 24/7 from PJM’s control rooms. They prepare multiple potential scenarios that could be impacted by weather, emergency conditions or equipment failure. They adjust resource output with changes in demand and ensure that no transmission lines or facilities are overloaded. The team also watches for unusual conditions and reacts to them to protect the electricity supply.
PJM will provide operational updates as necessary during the hot weather.