Grid operator JM has issued a Hot Weather Alert for its entire service area for June 22–25, just ahead of an expected extended heat wave that could see the mercury hit 100.
It came as the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, NJ issued an Extreme Heat Warning in northern Delaware and an advisory for the remainder of state. Cloudy skies from a storm front to the north are holding down temperatures and power usage on Sunday. However, 100-degree temps are possible in the coming days. (See NOAA infographic below).
Heat warnings mean outdoor activities should be limited with those outside increasing their intake of water and taking more breaks.
PJM serves a footprint that includes all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia. Its territory includes Delaware.
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.
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 megawatts on Monday, June 23, and Tuesday, June 24, which exceeds PJM’s summer forecast peak energy use of 154,000 megawatts. 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 Mid-Atlantic.
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.
While PJM has adequate generation for the current heat wave, it has warned of shrinking peak power reserves.
The system is also seeing an increase in overall electricity consumption, due in part to data centers and more business and household use.
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