PJM Interconnection Extends Maximum Generation Alert, Load Management Alert To Sept. 2; Requested, Got DOE Approval To Require Data Centers, Large Loads To Go To Backup Generation If Needed

On September 1, the PJM Interconnection extended its Maximum Generation Alert and a Load Management Alert through September 2 to help maintain reliable grid operations through unusually hot and humid weather.

PJM also requested and received a combined US Department of Energy emergency order to require large loads to go to backup generation and generating units to exceed environmental limits, if needed.

These alerts do not require any action from customers.

A Hot Weather Alert remains in effect for the entire region PJM serves through September 3.  

This is the eighth Hot Weather Alert of the summer.  The others were issued for May 18-20, June 5-6, June 11-12, June 18, June 29 to July 5, July 14 to 17 and August 9 to 11.

A Maximum Generation Alert is targeted at transmission/generation owners, who then determine if any maintenance or testing on equipment can be deferred or canceled. 

By deferring maintenance, the units stay online and continue to produce energy that is needed to serve electricity demand within the PJM region. 

This alert is also used to notify neighboring systems that electricity exports from PJM may be curtailed, serving as a procedural step that allows those neighboring regions to plan accordingly.

A Load Management Alert gives advance notification that load management action may be declared, including Pre-Emergency and Emergency Demand Response. 

Demand Response programs pay customers in advance who sign up to allow reduction of their electricity use in emergencies.

Click Here to read more about PJM’s emergency procedures and messages.

Forecasted Load Peaks

PJM's current forecasted load peaks are--

-- September 2 - 147,840 MW (was 155,966 MW) (was 155,046 MW)

-- September 3 - 152,038 MW (was 156,083 MW) (was 156,103 MW)

PJM’s peak record was 165,563 MW, set on Aug. 2, 2006.

Click Here for the PJM announcement.

The PJM Interconnection coordinates the wholesale electricity grid and markets for all or parts of 13 states—Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia—plus the District of Columbia.

Related Articles This Week:

-- PA Public Utility Commission Estimates Data Center-Driven Industrial Electricity Use In Pennsylvania Will Increase 18.56% A Year Thru 2030; Up From 0.22% Annually In 2024  [PaEN] 

NewsClip:

-- The Guardian: Blackout Risk Rises As Heatwave Stresses PJM Electric Grid; DOE Approves Emergency Order

[Posted: September 2, 2026]  PA Environment Digest