(Reuters) – PJM Interconnection, the largest U.S. power grid operator, said on Friday it is prepared to meet expected power demand during a forecast heat wave.
Temperatures throughout the PJM region are expected to rise over the next ten days, the operator noted in a press release.
“While PJM has sufficient generation and transmission capacity to meet demand during a heat wave, extended periods of extreme heat can potentially stress the system,” said Kevin Hatch, PJM senior dispatch manager.
PJM initially issued a hot weather warning for June 13 and 14, and the warning was initially expected to cover the entire PJM region from June 17 to 21, with the possibility of extension based on updated weather forecasts.
The Hot Weather Alert is a standard PJM procedure used to prepare transmission and generation facilities for increased electricity demand during hot weather events.
Meanwhile, the grid operator said in May it expects to meet summer demand this year, but generator retirement and rising demand are continually reducing reserve levels.