PJM is not waiting for the heat to peak before pulling operational levers. The grid operator called a Pre-Emergency Load Management Action in the Pepco, BGE, AEP, Dominion, and ComEd territories and issued back-to-back grid alerts across its entire footprint as forecast peak demand climbs toward 152,038 MW this week.
Two alerts stacked for Sept. 2
PJM issued a Maximum Generation Alert and a Load Management Alert for Sept. 2, covering the full region it serves. Neither alert requires action from customers. The Maximum Generation Alert is aimed at transmission and generation owners, who then decide whether planned maintenance or equipment testing can be deferred or canceled so units stay online and keep producing power the region needs. PJM also uses the alert to notify neighboring grid systems that electricity exports from PJM may be curtailed, a procedural step that lets those regions plan accordingly.
The Load Management Alert issued alongside it gives advance notice that PJM may declare load management action, including Pre-Emergency and Emergency Demand Response. Demand Response programs pay customers who sign up in advance to cut their electricity use during emergencies.
Forecast peaks climb through Sept. 3
As of 6 p.m. on Sept. 1, 2026, PJM was forecasting the following peak loads:
| Date | Forecasted peak load |
|---|---|
| Sept. 2 | 147,840 MW |
| Sept. 3 | 152,038 MW |
A Hot Weather Alert, the established procedure PJM issues ahead of forecast heat or high humidity to prepare transmission and generation personnel and facilities for rising demand, remains in effect across the region through Sept. 3.
Emergency demand cuts and a DOE request
PJM called on a Pre-Emergency Load Management Action at 5:15 p.m. in the Pepco, BGE, AEP, Dominion, and ComEd territories. PJM also requested a combined emergency order from the U.S. Department of Energy, effective through Sept. 8, for temporary relief from environmental permit restrictions on generating units and to direct backup generation resources at large loads to operate if needed.
Control rooms run around the clock
A dedicated team of PJM operators uses technology to balance supply and demand and direct the power grid around the clock from PJM's control rooms. They prepare for multiple scenarios that weather, emergency conditions, or equipment failure could create, adjust resource output as demand shifts, and work to keep transmission lines and facilities from overloading.
