Demand for power during this weekend’s winter storm along the East Coast will potentially create significant problems for the largest U.S. power grid.
PJM Interconnection is a regional transmission organization that provides power to parts of 13 states and Washington, D.C. It serves more than 67 million customers.
Right now, PJM is forecasting a record high amount of energy demand over the weekend, and has expressed concern about potential rolling blackouts if it cannot meet the demand. PJM forecasts nearly 1,400 high voltage lines will need power restrictions this weekend.
PJM predicts electricity demand will rise to 148 gigawatts on Friday, setting an all-time high.
On its website, PJM provides this update on the situation:
On January 27, the PJM Interconnection said it continues to operate through the extreme cold temperatures and corresponding high electricity use.
The extreme cold is currently expected to continue through Sunday, Feb. 1, so PJM is taking additional precautions with its generation and transmission owners to prepare.
Depending on temperatures, PJM projects it will exceed the 143,700 MW Winter Demand Record on January 28, 29 and 30 in its 13 state footprint.
Forecast Peak Loads are expected to be–
— January 28– 144,400 MW
— January 29– 145,300 MW
— January 30– 148,000 MW
— January 31– 133,000 MW
— February 1– 127,000 MW
Maximum General Alert, Load Management Alert
A Maximum Generation Alert and Load Management Alert currently in effect will expire 11:59 p.m. Jan. 27 and was not extended.
Low Voltage Alert
A Low Voltage Alert remains in effect across its footprint through Jan. 31. A Low Voltage Alert is an additional precautionary alert that does not require any action from customers.
Data Center Backup Generation
The US Department of Energy issued an order Monday evening directing the deployment of backup generation for data centers.
The DOE’s expedited process for grid operators to obtain emergency orders for use of backup generators will be helpful as a last resort to avoid impacts to residential customers if the PJM generation fleet or transmission system were to experience major outages.
According to the Weather Channel, Winter Storm Gianna is expected to turn into a “bomb cyclone” over the weekend for some areas, and a Nor’easter for others along with East Coast. The Weather Channel reports snow, strong winds, and flooding are expected from the Carolinas to New England. Meanwhile, Virginia and North Carolina could see blizzard conditions beginning Saturday.