PJM anticipates no reliability issues and minimal impacts to solar generation in its region spanning 13 states and Washington, D.C., during the solar eclipse on Oct. 14.
The eclipse, which occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, will be most visible on the morning of Oct. 14 in the western U.S., following a southeasterly path from Northern California through Texas. During the event, a partial solar eclipse will affect the skies over every state in the U.S., except Alaska, according to NASA.
In anticipation of the event, as the date draws near PJM will simulate the possible reduction of solar resources in areas of its footprint to the south and west that are closest to the path of the eclipse. PJM’s analysis will determine if any adjustments will need to be made to PJM’s operations on Oct. 14.
PJM is also prepared to schedule and deploy additional generation and regulation resources, if necessary, to account for possible shifts in load.
On April 8, 2024, another solar eclipse will impact PJM more directly, traversing through the western reaches of the PJM footprint. PJM does not anticipate any reliability issues as a result of the 2024 eclipse.
To learn more about the Oct. 14 eclipse, visit NASA’s website.
