Another record may be set this afternoon as the weather remains frigid, suburban Philadelphia-based PJM Interconnection reports.
Electricity demand has spiked across central and eastern states hit by severe cold, and power grid authorities are asking people to conserve energy when possible.
Officials with PJM Interconnection say there was record winter demand this morning, and another record may be set later today.
Power consumption peaked about 8 this morning at 138,700 megawatts for PJM's 13-state territory, said Melissa Schwenk, spokeswoman for the power grid operator. That's up from 131,916 megawatts being used as of 8 p.m. Monday. The winter record for electricity use had been 136,675 megawatts, set in 2007.
"We are expecting an evening winter peak today," Schwenk said.
With an available capacity of 155,404 megawatts, PJM asks the public to conserve electricity today, especially from 3 to 7 p.m., and they're also asking all power generators to be ready to supply emergency levels of electricity.
Schwenk said there are no plans for further steps, such as rolling brownouts.
"In situations like this there is always that potential, but at this point we're managing things and haven't called on any other extreme, emergency procedures," she said.
PJM says conservation efforts will help ensure adequate power supplies. It says that it is working with state governments and utilities to monitor the situation.
Conservation steps include:
- Setting thermostats lower than usual, if health permits.
- Postponing using major electric appliances such as stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers until mid-day or after 9 p.m., when demand decreases.
- Turning off electric lights and appliances that you do not need or are not using.