PJM Emergency Order: Heat Wave Threatens Record Electricity Demand

The U.S. Department of Energy has issued emergency orders authorizing PJM Interconnection to curtail data centers and waive power plant pollution limits as a severe heat wave approaches the eastern United States. PJM is forecasting electricity demand of 166,304 MW on July 2 — which would exceed the grid's all-time record of 165,563 MW, set in 2006.

Here is what we know so far, which states are affected, and what consumers can do.

What Happened: The Emergency Orders Explained

On June 30, 2026, the Department of Energy approved two separate emergency orders under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act at PJM's request:

• Backup Generation Order — Authorizes PJM to direct transmission owners to curtail data centers and other large energy consumers, forcing them onto their own backup generators (typically diesel "Tier 2" units). This frees up grid capacity for residential and commercial customers.
• Environmental Permit Relief — Grants temporary relief from environmental permit restrictions for power plants, allowing them to run at maximum output beyond normal sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and other emission limits. Effective July 1 through July 3.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed the orders, writing: "Currently, there are tens of gigawatts of readily available backup generation that have remained largely untapped. Deployment of backup generation resources can prevent avoidable blackouts, thereby saving lives and reducing costs to the American people."

The backup generation order is a last resort measure — PJM will only activate it before resorting to voltage reductions or controlled rolling blackouts (known as "load shedding"). The order expires at 11:59 PM on July 3, 2026.

Record Demand Forecast

A severe, multi-day heat wave is forecast to blanket the eastern United States through the July 4th holiday weekend. Temperatures are expected to approach or exceed 100°F across much of the mid-Atlantic, with the National Weather Service predicting highs between 102°F and 104°F in parts of Maryland and Virginia from Thursday through Saturday.

As of 1:00 PM ET on June 30, PJM is forecasting the following peak electricity demand:

To put that in perspective, one megawatt is roughly enough to power 750 homes. If PJM hits 166,304 MW on July 2, it will surpass the grid's all-time summer peak of 165,563 MW set during the 2006 heat wave — a record that has stood for 20 years.

PJM Emergency Alerts Already Issued

In addition to the DOE emergency orders, PJM has issued multiple operational alerts for July 1:

• Maximum Generation Alert — Directs generation and transmission owners to defer maintenance, cancel testing, and bring all available capacity online.
• Load Management Alert — Provides advance notice that demand response programs may be activated, including pre-emergency and emergency demand response.
• Low Voltage Alert — Instructs operators to increase bulk electric system voltage to improve transfer capability across critical transmission interfaces.
• Hot Weather Alert — Active across the entire PJM footprint from Tuesday through Friday.

PJM has also recalled generator and transmission line maintenance outages, asking all power plant operators to return equipment to service as quickly as possible.

Track current power outages across the country on our live power outage tracker.

Which States Are Affected?

The PJM Interconnection covers all or parts of 13 states plus the District of Columbia, making it the largest wholesale electricity market in the world:

• Mid-Atlantic (highest stress): Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., Delaware
• Northeast: Pennsylvania, New Jersey
• Midwest & Southeast: Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia

PJM has identified Maryland and Virginia as areas of particular concern due to transmission constraints and the concentration of large data center loads.

What This Means for Your Electricity Bill

Grid emergencies typically cause wholesale electricity price spikes on the spot market. Consumers on variable-rate electricity plans may see those increases reflected in their bills. Customers on fixed-rate plans are not affected by short-term wholesale price swings. Business customers with demand charges may see higher costs if usage during peak periods is not reduced.

Understanding Section 202(c) Emergency Orders

Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act gives the Secretary of Energy authority to order emergency measures when there is an electric reliability crisis. These orders can:

• Require power plants to run beyond their normal operating limits
• Waive environmental permit restrictions (emissions limits, wastewater rules)
• Direct large energy consumers to switch to on-site backup generation
• Override planned generator retirements

The DOE has issued multiple 202(c) orders in 2026. A full list is available on the DOE's tracking page. Orders issued to PJM this year include:

What to Watch For

We will update this article as new information becomes available. Key dates:

• July 1: Emergency orders take effect at 11:59 PM. Maximum Generation, Load Management, and Low Voltage alerts active.
• July 2: PJM's forecast peak of 166,304 MW. The current all-time record is 165,563 MW (2006).
• July 3: Emergency orders expire at 11:59 PM.
• Outage reports: Check our live power outage tracker for real-time updates across PJM states.

How to Reduce Usage During the Heat Wave

The emergency alerts do not require any direct action from residential customers, but reducing electricity usage during peak hours (typically 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM) helps stabilize the grid and can lower your bill:

• Set your thermostat to 78°F or higher. Every degree below 78°F increases cooling costs by 3–5%. Use fans to supplement air conditioning.
• Close blinds and curtains. Block direct sunlight to reduce heat gain. South- and west-facing windows make the biggest difference.
• Grill outdoors instead of cooking inside. Ovens and stovetops add heat to your home, forcing your AC to work harder.
• Run major appliances at night. Wait until after 7 PM to run dishwashers, dryers, and washing machines.
• Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics. Unplug chargers, turn off TVs and computers in empty rooms.
• Pre-cool your home in the morning. Lower the thermostat before peak hours, then raise it during the afternoon.

Related Articles

• Live Power Outage Tracker
• U.S. Data Center Power Map by State
• Pennsylvania Electricity Rates
• Maryland Electricity Rates
• Ohio Electricity Rates
• Virginia Electricity Rates
• Electricity Prices by State
• Worst Power Outages in United States History
• What Are Peak Demand Charges?
• What Is Electricity Deregulation?
• Fixed-Rate Electricity Plans

Sources

• U.S. Department of Energy — 2026 DOE 202(c) Orders
• PJM Interconnection — pjm.com
• Maryland Matters — "PJM gets green light to push data centers onto back-up power during heat wave"
• Anadolu Agency — "US orders emergency power steps as heat wave threatens record electricity demand"
• Utility Dive — "PJM gets emergency approval to curtail data centers"
• PA Environment Digest Blog — "PJM Interconnection Issues Maximum Generation Alerts"
• Center for Progressive Reform — "PJM Emergency Energy Generation Order Request"
• Congress.gov — Federal Power Act: The Department of Energy's Emergency Authority (CRS Report)