PJM continues to implement proactive procedures to maintain reliable grid operations through humid and hot weather.
PJM has issued a Maximum Generation Alert and Load Management Alert for Sept. 3 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 Sept. 3. 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 152,518 MW on Sept. 1.
As of 4 p.m. on Sept. 2, 2026, PJM is expecting to serve the following approximate peak loads through Sept. 3:
| Date | Forecasted Peak Load |
| Sept. 2 | 143,241 MW |
| Sept. 3 | 152,496 MW |
Additional Actions
PJM has also taken the following proactive measures to prepare for this week’s hot weather:
- PJM requested and received a combined emergency order (PDF), to be effective through Sept. 8, from the U.S. Department of Energy for temporary relief from environmental permit restrictions for generating units and/or to direct backup generation resources at large loads to operate, if required at all.
- On Sept. 1 PJM called a Pre-Emergency Load Management Action in the Pepco, BGE, AEP, Dominion, and ComEd territories.
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.
Read more about PJM’s emergency procedures and messages (PDF).