PJM continues to implement proactive procedures to reliably serve increased electricity demand through this week’s heat wave.
A Maximum Generation Alert and Load Management Alert is currently in effect for July 15 and has been issued for July 16 for the region PJM serves. This alert does not require any action from customers.
A 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 within the PJM region. This alert is also used to notify neighboring systems that electricity exports from PJM may be curtailed, serving as a procedural step that allows those neighboring regions 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 Pre-Emergency and Emergency Demand Response. Demand Response programs pay customers in advance who sign up to allow reduction of their electricity use in emergencies.
A Hot Weather Alert remains in effect for the entire region PJM serves through at least July 17. A Hot Weather Alert is an established procedure PJM issues ahead of forecasted hot weather and/or high humidity to prepare transmission and generation personnel and facilities for expected increases in electricity demand, or load.
Preliminary and Forecasted Peaks
PJM served a preliminary hourly integrated peak of 151,105 MW on July 14.
As of 1 p.m. on July 15, 2026, PJM is expecting to serve the following approximate peak loads through July 17:
| Date | Forecasted Peak Load |
| July 15 | 164,078 MW |
| July 16 | 160,227 MW |
| July 17 | 150,981 MW |
During a recent prolonged heat wave, PJM reached an all-time peak load estimated at 168,158 MW on July 2, according to preliminary figures that factor in Demand Response programs that serve to suppress electricity demand. PJM’s previous peak record was 165,563 MW, set on Aug. 2, 2006.
Additional Actions
PJM has also taken the following proactive measures to prepare for this week’s hot weather:
- PJM requested and received approval of a combined emergency order, to be effective July 15 through July 21, from the U.S. Department of Energy for temporary relief from environmental permit restrictions for generating units and/or to direct backup generation resources to operate, if required at all.