PJM has issued an additional Maximum Generation Alert and Load Management Alert for June 24, as intense heat continues throughout the PJM footprint, to ensure the reliable delivery of electricity for customers across 13 states and the District of Columbia.
A Maximum Generation Alert and Load Management Alert are currently in effect for June 23.
This alert does not require any action from customers.
The 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.
The alert is also a procedural step that serves to notify neighboring regions that exports of electricity outside of the PJM footprint may need to be curtailed, and they should 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. Demand Response programs pay customers in advance who sign up to allow reduction of their electricity use in emergencies.
PJM served a preliminary peak load of over 143,000 MW on June 22.
As of June 23, PJM is expecting to serve a forecasted load across the RTO of approximately:
- 161,000 MW on June 23
- 160,000 MW on June 24
- 155,000 MW on June 25
- 148,500 MW on June 26
PJM issues a NERC EEA Level 1, or EEA-1, in conjunction with a Maximum Generation Alert. NERC defines an EEA-1 as when a grid operator foresees or is experiencing conditions where all available resources are committed to meet electricity load, firm transactions and reserve commitments, and is concerned about sustaining its required contingency reserves.
Contracted Demand Response Programs Called for Mid-Atlantic and Dominion Regions
PJM declared a Pre-Emergency Load Management Reduction Action at approximately 1 p.m. for the Atlantic City Electric, Baltimore Gas & Electric, Delmarva Power, Dominion, Jersey Central Power & Light, MetEd, Penelec, PECO, Pepco, PPL and PSE&G transmission zones, calling on contracted demand response programs to provide additional resources for the power grid. These demand response programs compensate residential, commercial and industrial customers who have opted in to reduce their electricity use when dispatched. All participating customers have agreed in advance to the terms of these programs with their energy providers.
Hot Weather Alert Extended Through June 26
Additionally, PJM has extended a Hot Weather Alert for its entire service area, which was initially scheduled to expire June 25, through Thursday, June 26.
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. Read more about PJM’s emergency procedures and messages (PDF).
June 22 Update: PJM Issues Maximum Generation Alert for June 23
Hot Weather Alert in Effect Through June 25
PJM has issued a Maximum Generation Alert and Load Management Alert for June 23 as hot weather continues throughout the region PJM serves to ensure the reliable delivery of electricity to its customers across 13 states and the District of Columbia.
PJM issues a Maximum Generation Emergency Alert a day in advance of conditions that may require all generators to operate at their maximum output capability.
This alert does not require any action from customers.
The alert is targeted at transmission/generation owners, who then determine if any maintenance or testing on any equipment can be deferred or canceled. By deferring maintenance, the units stay online and continue to produce energy that is needed.
The alert is also a procedural step that serves to notify neighboring regions that exports of electricity outside of the PJM footprint may need to be curtailed and they should 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. Demand Response programs pay customers in advance who sign up to allow reduction of their electricity use in emergencies.
As of June 22, PJM is expecting to serve a forecasted load across the RTO of approximately:
- 160,000 MW on June 23
- 158,000 MW on June 24
- 155,000 MW on June 25
PJM issues a NERC EEA Level 1, or EEA-1, in conjunction with a Maximum Generation Alert. NERC defines an EEA-1 as when a grid operator foresees or is experiencing conditions where all available resources are committed to meet electricity load, firm transactions, and reserve commitments, and is concerned about sustaining its required contingency reserves.
Read more about PJM’s emergency procedures and messages (PDF).
Original Story (July 19): PJM Issues Hot Weather Alert for Expected Heat Wave June 22–25
Generator Maintenance Outages Also Recalled To Increase Available Capacity
PJM has issued a Hot Weather Alert for its entire service area for June 22–25 ahead of an expected extended heat wave. 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. Temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees for an extended period, which drives up the demand for electricity.
Additionally, PJM has issued a generator maintenance outage recall. Under the recall, generators that have been taken out of service for scheduled maintenance have 72 hours to end maintenance outages to increase the amount of generation available to meet customer demand throughout the heat wave.
As of June 19, loads are forecasted to reach approximately 158,000 MW on Monday, June 23, and Tuesday, June 24, which exceeds PJM’s summer forecast peak energy use of 154,000 MW. Sunday, June 22, is currently forecasted to reach a load in the mid-140 GW range.
The National Weather Service has predicted hotter-than-normal conditions this summer, especially in the Atlantic seaboard states.
PJM’s record summer peak is 165,563 MW, set in 2006. Last year, PJM’s summer peak was approximately 152,700 MW. 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.