PJM Interconnection forecasts adequate summer power supply amid data center load growth

PJM Interconnection’s Summer Outlook 2026 projects that the 13‑state grid will have sufficient electricity to meet the expected summer peak of about 156,400 MW. The organization reports 180,200 MW of generation capacity available, plus an additional 7,800 MW of contracted demand‑response resources, giving a reserve margin of roughly 26%, well above the 18.6% standard for a once‑in‑10‑year event.

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) issued a Level‑3 alert highlighting reliability concerns linked to large computational loads, such as data centers, which are growing faster than new generation. PJM senior vice‑president of operations Michael Bryson said, “We expect to operate reliably this summer, but the outlook reflects a new reality – continued load growth driven by data centers that is outpacing the addition of new generation.” NERC officials noted that while current summer readiness is improved by added solar, battery, and natural‑gas resources, future risks may shift to other seasons.