PJM has issued a Hot Weather Alert for its entire service area for Aug. 17 ahead of expected hot and humid weather. PJM serves a footprint that includes all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia.
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.
This procedure does not require any action from customers.
As of Aug. 15, load is expected to be around 140,000 MW for Sunday, Aug. 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).