Consumers can take everyday steps to help keep households safe and comfortable and reduce stress on the regional power grid by changing daily routines and shifting energy-intensive tasks (like running washing machines or charging electric vehicles) to off-peak hours.
“As we face a week of extreme summer heat, staying cool and saving energy requires a balanced approach,” said PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank. “We can beat the heat and help protect the power grid by blending smart cooling habits with simple changes to our daily routines.”
Monitoring PJM Grid Operations
Persistent high temperatures place increased strain on both homes and utility systems. In response, the PUC is closely monitoring electric utility operations across the Commonwealth and remains in regular contact with utilities to help identify and address any issues that may arise as the heat continues.
The PUC is also monitoring developments within PJM – which as regional grid operator has already begun preparations for the possibility of prolonged extreme heat and extraordinary electric demand.
This includes PJM’s request for temporary emergency authority from the U.S. Department of Energy that would authorize PJM, as a last resort and only under the most severe emergency conditions, to direct that certain large electric customers – including some data centers and other major industrial or commercial facilities equipped with backup generation – temporarily operate those backup resources before broader emergency actions affecting electric service become necessary.
The Commission notes that PJM has emphasized this emergency authority would be used only after other available reliability tools have been exhausted and only to help avoid broader emergency actions affecting electric customers.
Everyone Can Help Support Reliability
During periods of extreme heat, individual consumers can also help reduce strain on the electric system—particularly during the late afternoon and early evening hours when electricity demand is typically at its highest.
The PUC encourages Pennsylvanians to remember these #WaysToStayCool and #SaveInPA tips--
-- Raise your thermostat a degree or two, if it can be done safely and comfortably.
-- Delay using high-energy appliances, like dishwashers, clothes dryers, and ovens, until cooler parts of the day.
-- Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day to reduce indoor temperatures.
-- Use fans to improve comfort while reducing air conditioning demand where appropriate.
-- Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics.
-- Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat, and check on older adults, neighbors, and others who may be especially vulnerable.
Every action that safely reduces electricity demand during periods of peak usage helps support the reliable operation of the regional electric system.
From regional grid operators and electric utilities to large energy users and individual households, preparation and cooperation remain essential to maintaining safe and reliable electric service during periods of extraordinary demand.
More Information and Resources
For additional summer energy tips and links to utility programs and tools, visit www.PAPowerSwitch.com.
The PUC remains committed to working alongside Pennsylvania’s utilities, emergency agencies, and communities to maintain reliable service and support residents through this extended period of high heat.
Together, we can stay safe, stay cool — and keep Pennsylvania powered.
Click Here for the PUC announcement.
Resource Links:
-- PJM Interconnection Issues Hot Weather Alert For June 29 In Western Region, June 30 to July 3 For Entire Service Area; 5th Alert This Season [PaEN]
-- PJM Adds New Emergency Procedures To Deal With Strained Grid: A Capacity Advisory; Directive For Data Centers To Use Backup Generators [PaEN]
-- PJM Interconnection Holds Next Generation Capacity Auction June 30, Results To Be Announced July 14 [PaEN]
[Posted: June 29, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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