Heatwave Pushes Up Electricity Demand In PJM Region

Soaring temperatures mean a spike in demand for electricity in the 13-state grid, known as PJM, that includes West Virginia.

As most states in the PJM region experience temperatures well above 90 degrees, its power plants are producing a near-record amount of electricity.

On Monday evening, PJM generated more than 162,000 megawatts, close to the record of 165,000 set in 2006.

PJM’s coal plants don’t ordinarily run as often as they did back then, and many have shut down in the past two decades.

On Monday evening, coal accounted for 31,000 megawatts, about twice what it generates on a normal day.

Renewables, including wind, solar and hydro, did their part, contributing 19,000 megawatts. Gas and nuclear accounted for the remaining generation in the region. 

Due to the intense heat, PJM issued a Maximum Generation Alert and a Load Management Alert for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The alerts require nothing from electricity customers. They do, though, signal to power plant operators to avoid performing maintenance that could reduce electricity generation.

It also tells neighboring grids that PJM might not be able to send them electricity if it struggles to meet the demand in its own footprint.

PJM includes West Virginia, 12 other mostly mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia.