PUC Urges Consumers To Prepare Ahead Of Winter Storm Fern And Prolonged Extreme Cold

On January 23, the Public Utility Commission urged consumers across the Commonwealth to prepare for Winter Storm Fern, which is expected to move across Pennsylvania Saturday into Sunday, bringing several inches of snow to much of the state and dangerously cold temperatures.

Forecasts also indicate that extreme cold is likely to persist through next week, which could increase energy demand and place additional stress on power generation resources, the electric grid, and natural gas systems.

[On January 22, the PJM Interconnection regional electric grid operator issued another Cold Weather Alert saying it may break the record for winter power demands on January 27 and 30. Read more here.]

“Winter Storm Fern is expected to deliver both snowfall and extremely cold air, followed by a prolonged period of bitterly cold temperatures next week,” said Steve DeFrank, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. “This combination can place added strain on energy systems, which is why the Commission is in close and ongoing communication with utilities and PJM. While no specific actions are being requested of consumers at this time, preparation and awareness ahead of the storm are important as conditions develop.”

The PUC is maintaining enhanced communication with jurisdictional electric and natural gas utilities across Pennsylvania and monitoring the preparations and actions of PJM Interconnection, the regional electric grid operator, to ensure readiness as the storm approaches and conditions evolve.

Monitoring Conditions and Coordinating Ahead of the Storm

As part of its severe-weather preparedness efforts, the PUC is--

-- Maintaining regular communication with electric and natural gas utilities statewide.

-- Closely monitoring PJM’s preparations and actions regarding regional grid conditions by participating in PJM stakeholder operational briefings and calls.

-- Monitoring forecasts, PJM operational and emergency procedure notifications, and utility readiness as the storm approaches.

-- Working with partner state agencies as needed to support situational awareness.

The Commission will continue to monitor conditions closely and will provide additional information if circumstances change.

Pre-Storm Safety and Preparedness Tips

Ahead of the storm, the PUC encourages consumers to take simple, common-sense steps to be prepared--

-- Stay informed by monitoring weather forecasts and trusted local information sources.

-- Charge essential devices such as cell phones and medical equipment.

-- Have basic supplies on hand, including flashlights, batteries, and necessary medications.

-- Use caution around utility infrastructure and always assume downed power lines are energized.

-- Allow space for utility crews if travel is necessary during or after the storm.

Consumers are encouraged to stay tuned to updates from their local utilities, emergency management agencies, and the PUC as Winter Storm Fern moves through the region.

Click Here for the PUC announcement.

Related Articles This Week:

-- Shale Gas & Public Health Conference -- Our Work, Our Health: Building A Future Beyond Sacrifice To Be Held Feb. 19 In Pittsburgh, Online  [PaEN]  

-- PJM Interconnect Issues Cold Weather Alert For Western Region Jan. 23 Expanding To Entire PJM Area Jan. 24-27; Regional Grid Could Exceed Winter Demand Record on Jan. 27 & 30  [PaEN] 

-- Aboveground Water Pipelines Feeding Shale Gas Drilling Operations Beginning To Freeze Due To Cold Temperatures; Range Resources Incident Reported In Washington County; Notify DEP Of Pipeline Problems  [PaEN]

-- House Energy Committee Meeting To Consider Bill Giving PUC More Authority To Regulate A.I. Data Centers Moved To Feb. 2  [PaEN]  

-- Gov. Shapiro: Major Utilities, Power Producers, Tech Companies, Experts Endorse Federal/Northeast PJM Governors’ Plan To Meet Surging A.I. Data Center Energy Demands - Will PJM Listen?  [PaEN] 

-- PA House Committees Hearing: Witnesses Agree - A.I. Data Centers - Real And Purely Speculative - Are Driving Up The Cost Of Electricity; Without Effective Action Energy Increases Will Not End   [PaEN] 

-- York Dispatch Guest Essay: Republicans Add To The Pain Of Soaring Energy Costs - By Katherine Pichardo, Latino Victory and David Kieve, Environmental Defense Fund Action  [PaEN] 

-- PUC Announces Increase In Act 13 Shale Gas Drilling Impact Fee For Calendar 2025  [PaEN] 

NewsClips:

-- Bloomberg: Cold Blast Threatens To Cut US Natural Gas Output By Most Since 2021 Over Next 14 Days, Energy Aspects Says

-- Reuters: PJM Interconnection Expects All-Time Record Winter Electricity Demand Jan. 27 

-- Tribune-Democrat: Electric Grid Concerns Aired By PA Lawmakers As Frigid Weather Settles In

-- WHYY: As Electricity Rates Soar, PECO Adds $2.5 Million In Aid For Low-Income Customers 

-- Bloomberg: Natural Gas Prices Soar 75% In 3 Days As Arctic Cold Grips The US

-- WITF: PA Consumer Advocates Urge House Committees To Tax A.I. Data Centers, Offset Home Energy Spikes At Hearing

-- Post-Gazette: PA House Members Hear Warnings On A.I. Data Centers, Rising Electric Costs At Hearing

-- Utility Dive: PJM Considering $1.7 Billion Transmission Line Project Across PA Based On Year-Old A.I. Data Center Demand Forecasts Is A ‘Poster Child’ For Overbuilding, According To PA Consumer Advocate

-- Inside Climate News: Clean Energy Advocates Criticise ‘Glaring’ Omission In White House/Northeast Governor’s Plan To Fuel A.I. Data Centers In PJM Region

-- PA Capital-Star Guest Essay: Beyond NIMBY vs. Progress: How Pennsylvania Can Secure A ‘Durable Yes’ For A.I. Data Centers [Honestly Address Issues Of Concern] - By Desmond Daley, Pittsburgh Resident

-- Reuters: US Refineries Brace For Disruptions As Arctic Blast Hits

-- Reuters: US Energy Secretary Calls For Doubling Global Oil Output In Davos

[Posted: January 23, 2026]  PA Environment Digest