PJM has issued a Hot Weather alert for its Mid-Atlantic and Southern regions for July 17.
A Hot Weather Alert is a routine procedure PJM issues ahead of forecasted temperatures of 90 degrees or above and/or high humidity to prepare transmission and generation personnel and facilities for expected increases in electricity demand, or load. This alert does not require any action from customers.
The PJM’s Southern Region is made up of the Dominion transmission zone. The Mid-Atlantic Region is made up of the following transmission zones:
- Atlantic City Electric
- Baltimore Gas and Electric
- Delmarva Power & Light
- Jersey Central Power & Light
- Met-Ed
- Penelec
- PECO Energy
- Pepco
- PPL Electric Utilities
- PSE&G
- Orange & Rockland (Rockland Electric Company)
- Silver Run Electric
- Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO)
- UGI
A Maximum Generation Alert also remains in effect for July 16.
As of 8 a.m. on July 16, PJM expects to serve a peak load of around 145,100 MW on July 16 and a peak load of around 145,200 MW on July 17.
PJM’s record summer peak is 165,563 MW, set in 2006. On June 24 this summer, PJM served a preliminary peak of over 162,000 MW, the third-highest peak load in its history.
PJM has approximately 179,200 MW of generation capacity this summer, as well as approximately 7,900 MW of contracted demand response. Demand response programs pay customers in advance to have their electricity use automatically reduced in times of system stress.
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).