US grid operator PJM issues maximum generation alert ahead of hot weather

(Reuters) - PJM Interconnection, the largest U.S. power grid operator, issued a maximum generation alert for Tuesday due to expected hot weather across parts of the Eastern Interconnection.

PJM is issuing the alert as a precautionary measure and no customer actions are required, the company said in a statement on Monday.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

PJM manages a large electric grid and competitive wholesale electricity market for parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia.

A maximum generation alert is issued in advance of conditions that may require all generators to operate at their maximum output capability and that the use of additional emergency procedures may be implemented.

This alert is aimed at owners of transmission and generation equipment, who will assess whether any scheduled maintenance or testing can be postponed or canceled to ensure the availability of all resources.

CONTEXT

The Biden administration said earlier this month that it was investing $2.2 billion to revamp the nation's power grid to protect it against growing threats of extreme weather events.

BY THE NUMBERS

PJM anticipates a peak load of approximately 149,100 megawatt (MW) on Tuesday and 151,300 MW on Wednesday. This summer's highest peak load so far was 153,400 MW, recorded on July 16.

Last year’s peak demand was approximately 149,000 MW.

(Reporting by Rahul Paswan in Bengaluru; Editing by Mark Porter)