PJM Emergency Orders: Heat Wave Threatens Record Electricity Demand
Two emergency orders issued by the U.S. Department of Energy are now in effect, authorizing PJM Interconnection to curtail data centers and waive power plant pollution limits through July 3, 2026. PJM is forecasting electricity demand of 166,147 MW today (July 2) — which would exceed the grid's all-time record of 165,563 MW, set in 2006.
Below is a summary of the orders, which states are affected, and what consumers can do.
The Emergency Orders
On June 30, Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed two orders under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, pursuant to PJM applications submitted June 27 and 29. Both took effect at 11:59 PM EDT June 30 and expire 11:59 PM EDT July 3.
1. Backup Generation Order
Authorizes PJM to direct transmission owners to curtail data centers and other large energy consumers with at least 50 MW of peak load, requiring them to switch to their own backup generators within 15 minutes of an emergency signal. This frees grid capacity for residential and commercial customers.
Exempt facilities: hospitals, 911 call centers, water treatment plants, air traffic control towers, and defense installations.
2. Generation Dispatch Order
Directs PJM to dispatch specified generating units as needed and grants temporary relief from environmental permit restrictions, allowing power plants to run at maximum output beyond normal sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and other emission limits.
Both orders are last-resort measures — PJM will only activate them before voltage reductions or rolling blackouts. Secretary Wright: "Maintaining affordable, reliable, and secure power in the PJM service territory is non-negotiable."
Demand Forecast
A severe heat wave is forecast through the July 4th weekend, with the National Weather Service predicting highs of 102–104°F in parts of Maryland and Virginia. PJM's demand forecast as of June 30:
One megawatt powers roughly 750 homes. PJM has also issued Maximum Generation, Load Management, Low Voltage, and Hot Weather alerts, and recalled generator and transmission maintenance outages.
Affected States
PJM Interconnection covers all or parts of 13 states plus D.C.:
- Backup Generation Order — Authorizes PJM to direct transmission owners to curtail data centers and other large energy consumers with at least 50 MW of peak load, requiring them to switch to their own backup generators within 15 minutes of an emergency signal. Hospitals, 911 call centers, water treatment plants, air traffic control towers, and defense facilities are exempt.
- Generation Dispatch Order — Directs PJM to dispatch specified generating units and grants temporary relief from environmental permit restrictions, allowing power plants to run at maximum output beyond normal sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and other emission limits.
Both orders are last resort measures — PJM will only activate them before resorting to voltage reductions or controlled rolling blackouts (known as "load shedding").
Secretary Wright stated: "Maintaining affordable, reliable, and secure power in the PJM service territory is non-negotiable."
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 4:00 PM ET on July 1, PJM is forecasting the following peak electricity demand:
| Date | Forecast Peak Demand | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, July 1 | 161,908 MW | Near-record levels |
| Wednesday, July 2 | 166,147 MW | Would exceed all-time record (165,563 MW, set in 2006) |
| Thursday, July 3 | 157,878 MW | Elevated but below record |
| Friday, July 4 | 150,069 MW | Holiday — somewhat lower |
| Saturday, July 5 | 142,913 MW | Gradual relief expected |
To put that in perspective, one megawatt is roughly enough to power 750 homes. If PJM hits 166,147 MW today, 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 Operational Alerts
In addition to the DOE emergency orders, PJM has issued the following operational alerts for July 1 and July 2:
- 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 through at least July 3.
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
Impact on Electricity Bills
Grid emergencies typically cause wholesale price spikes. Consumers on variable-rate plans may see increases reflected in their bills. Fixed-rate plans are unaffected by short-term swings. Business customers with demand charges may see higher costs if peak-hour usage is not reduced.
Background: Section 202(c) Orders in 2026
Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act gives the Secretary of Energy authority to order emergency measures during electric reliability crises. The DOE has issued multiple 202(c) orders to PJM in 2026 (full list):
| Date | Action | |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 25 | 202-26-02 | Allow all PJM generators to exceed pollution limits during Winter Storm Fern |
| Jan 26 | 202-26-06 | Authorize data center backup generator curtailment during winter emergency |
| Jan 29 | 202-26-02A | Extend generator order through Feb 2 |
| May 18 | 202-26-23 | Curtail data centers during unseasonable May heat wave |
| May 21 | 202-26-24 | Keep Eddystone Generating Station (PA) available through Aug 22 |
| Jun 30 | 202-26-32, 202-26-33 | Generator dispatch + data center backup generation for current heat wave (through July 3) |
Reducing Usage During the Heat Wave
Key dates:
- July 2 (today): PJM’s forecast peak of 166,147 MW. If reached, it would break the all-time record of 165,563 MW (2006). Maximum Generation, Load Management, and Hot Weather alerts are all active. Peak demand is expected around 5:00 PM EDT.
- July 3: Emergency orders expire at 11:59 PM EDT. Demand forecast of 157,878 MW — still elevated.
- July 4–5: Gradual relief expected as heat moderates.
- 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 — "Energy Secretary Secures Mid-Atlantic Grid Ahead of Period of Hot Weather" (press release, June 30, 2026)
- U.S. Department of Energy — 2026 DOE 202(c) Orders
- PJM Interconnection — Hot Weather Operations Update — July 1, 2026
- PJM Interconnection — pjm.com
- Center for Progressive Reform — "PJM Emergency Energy Generation Order Request"
- Congress.gov — Federal Power Act: The Department of Energy's Emergency Authority (CRS Report)
FAQ
What is PJM?
PJM Interconnection is a regional transmission organization that coordinates the wholesale electricity grid for all or parts of 13 states and D.C. It doesn't generate power itself — it manages the flow of electricity, runs the wholesale market, and ensures supply meets demand in real time.
What does "peak demand" mean?
Peak demand is the highest amount of electricity being used at any single point during a given period, usually measured in megawatts (MW). It typically occurs on hot summer afternoons when air conditioning use is highest. One megawatt is enough to power roughly 750 homes.
What is a megawatt?
A megawatt (MW) is a unit of electrical power equal to 1,000 kilowatts. Your home electricity usage is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). When PJM forecasts 166,304 MW, that's the total amount of power all customers across the grid would be drawing at the same moment.
What is load shedding?
Load shedding is a controlled, temporary shutdown of electricity to specific areas to prevent the entire grid from collapsing. It's commonly called "rolling blackouts" because utilities rotate which neighborhoods lose power. The emergency orders are designed to avoid reaching this point.
What is an Energy Emergency Alert (EEA)?
EEAs are a three-level alert system used by grid operators. EEA 1 means reserves are low. EEA 2 means the grid operator is actively deploying emergency resources. EEA 3 means firm load interruptions (rolling blackouts) may be necessary. The backup generation order activates as a last resort before or during an EEA 3.
What is Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act?
It's the legal authority that allows the Secretary of Energy to issue emergency orders during grid reliability crises. These orders can require power plants to run beyond normal limits, waive environmental restrictions, or direct large energy users to switch to backup generators.
Will my power go out?
The emergency orders are specifically designed to prevent that. PJM has multiple steps it takes before resorting to rolling blackouts, including activating demand response programs, deploying backup generation at large facilities, and reducing voltage. However, localized outages from equipment failures or storms are always possible during extreme heat.
Am I on the PJM grid?
If you live in Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, or Washington D.C., your electricity is coordinated by PJM. Check your utility bill or contact your local utility to confirm.