PJM warns summer grid strain may trigger demand controls as East Coast power prices jump

PJM Interconnection cautioned that rising summer temperatures and continued load growth, especially from data centers, are tightening reserve margins across its 13‑state region and the District of Columbia. The operator forecasts peak demand of about 156,400 MW, with available generation around 180,200 MW, but notes that extreme conditions could push demand to as high as 169,100 MW. PJM said it could activate demand‑response programs similar to those used last summer, when consecutive June days saw demand exceed 160,000 MW, ranking among the highest peaks in its history.

The warning coincided with a sharp rise in electricity prices on the U.S. East Coast after PJM declared an emergency response to the heat wave. Market participants reported surging power prices as the grid operator prepared for possible load‑management measures to maintain reliability.