PJM has extended a Hot Weather Alert to July 17 for its Mid-Atlantic and Southern regions as hot and humid weather is expected to continue in those areas. A Hot Weather Alert is currently in effect through July 16 for the entire PJM service area.
A Hot Weather Alert is a routine procedure PJM issues ahead of forecasted 90-degree weather and/or high humidity in order to prepare transmission and generation personnel and facilities for expected increases in electricity demand. Temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees, which drives up the demand for electricity.
During the hot weather, PJM will continuously monitor grid conditions and will be in ongoing coordination with its transmission and generation owners, along with its neighboring grid operators, to react to any changing conditions in real time.
PJM served a preliminary peak for electricity of 134,069 MW on July 14.
As of 10 a.m., July 15, PJM has forecasted the following peak loads for July 15–17:
- Monday, July 15: 155,110 MW
- Tuesday, July 16: 149,987 MW
- Wednesday, July 17: 139,830 MW
The highest preliminary peak load that PJM has served so far this summer was about 148,000 MW and occurred on June 21. PJM’s all-time, one-day highest power use was recorded in the summer of 2006 at 165,563 MW. One megawatt can power about 800 homes.
The Mid-Atlantic Region is made up of the 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, and Orange & Rockland (Rockland Electric Company) transmission zones. The Southern Region is made up of the Dominion transmission zone.
Original Story (July 12): PJM Issues Hot Weather Alert for July 14–16
PJM has issued a Hot Weather Alert for July 14–16 for its entire service area ahead of expected hot and humid weather. PJM’s service area 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-degree weather and/or high humidity in order to prepare transmission and generation personnel and facilities for expected increases in electricity demand. Temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees throughout the PJM footprint, which increases demand for electricity.
During the hot weather, PJM will continuously monitor grid conditions and will be in ongoing coordination with its transmission and generation owners, along with its neighboring grid operators, to react to any changing conditions in real time.
PJM currently expects to serve the following peak loads from July 14–16:
- Sunday, July 14: 138,819 MW
- Monday, July 15: 150,974 MW
- Tuesday, July 16: 151,807 MW
The highest preliminary peak load that PJM has served so far this summer was about 148,000 MW and occurred on June 21. Overall, PJM projects higher peak demand for electricity this summer at approximately 151,000 MW, compared with the 2023 summer peak load of 147,000 MW.
PJM’s all-time, one-day highest power use was recorded in the summer of 2006 at 165,563 MW. One megawatt can power about 800 homes.
Predicting the demand for electricity helps procure an adequate supply of power today and in the years ahead. Making these predictions – called load forecasting – is a job PJM does routinely, for both short- and long-term periods, to help acquire an adequate supply of power for reliable service at the most reasonable cost.
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.