The call for conservation was prompted by continuing frigid weather increasing the demand for electricity and placing stress on generating resources.
PJM asks consumers to conserve electricity, if health permits – especially from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. today and 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Friday. Conserving electricity will help ensure adequate power supplies. Electricity customers can take simple electricity conservation steps:
Set thermostats lower than usual, if health permits,
Postpone using major electric appliances such as stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers until mid-day or after 9 p.m., when the demand for electricity decreases, and
Turn off electric lights and appliances that you do not need or are not using.
The prolonged, extremely cold weather is causing high demand for electricity. As a result, PJM and its members are managing a very tight power supply. The prolonged cold requires some generating units to operate more often and for more hours than normal. It also stresses generator components. Any resulting unplanned shutdowns can further tighten power supplies.
PJM and its members are doing everything possible to avoid taking other steps affecting the public.
Utility customers who are demand response providers have also been asked to reduce their electricity use. These customers agreed in advance to eliminate or significantly reduce their use of electricity when called upon and are paid for cutting back their electricity use.
PJM is communicating about the situation with state government officials throughout the region.
