Summary:

• PJM Grid Mix Now Dominated By NatGas, Nuclear, Coal
• Washington, DC Temps Expected To Push Into Low Triple Digits
• PJM Warns Power Demand Could Test 2006 Record High
• PJM Declares Emergency To Reduce Blackout Risk

PJM Grid May Test 2006 Record 

Cooling demand across PJM Interconnection's operating area will surge today and into late week as tens of millions of households and businesses crank up air conditioners to stay cool under the emerging heat dome.

The spike in power demand is expected to strain the grid, which helps explain why PJM preemptively declared a grid emergency on Tuesday to preserve reserves and reduce the risk of rolling blackouts.

PJM forecasts that power demand could reach 165 gigawatts on Thursday. This would test the grid's all-time peak of 165.563 GW set in August 2006. It would also exceed PJM's prior peak forecast for this summer.

To mitigate blackout risks, the Department of Energy directed PJM on Tuesday "to dispatch specified units and to order their operation as needed to maintain reliability." There is a chance that the grid operator might have to tap backup generation as a last resort before or during a Level 3 energy emergency.

Bloomberg's forecast for maximum temperatures across the Washington, D.C., metro area could reach low triple digits Thursday through Saturday.

Natural gas, nuclear, and coal power generation currently make up the top power mix for PJM.

Largest US Power Grid Declares Emergency To Prevent Blackouts

A mega heat dome is set to descend on the eastern half of the U.S., prompting the Energy Department to issue two emergency orders to reduce the risk of rolling blackouts in the Mid-Atlantic area as PJM Interconnection braces for record power demand.

DOE's first order directs the PJM region, which serves 67 million people across 13 states, "to dispatch specified units and to order their operation as needed to maintain reliability." 

The second order states that PJM, working with transmission owners and electric distribution companies, must use backup generation as a last resort before or during a Level 3 energy emergency.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said, "Maintaining affordable, reliable, and secure power in the PJM service territory is non-negotiable."

Bloomberg's forecast for maximum temperatures across the Washington, D.C., metro area could average in the low triple digits through Saturday.

The hot temperatures, beginning tomorrow, will increase cooling demand and boost power demand on the PJM grid, potentially straining the system during peak late-afternoon hours. Concerns about grid reliability have risen as data center buildouts are blamed for soaring power bills - yet aging grids and climate policie should also be blamed.