Due To High Demand from Deep Freeze, PJM Grid Operator Urges Public to Conserve Electricity

PJM, the regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia, including Rockland Electric Company, urges the public to conserve electricity from now through at least tomorrow at 10 a.m.

The call was prompted by continuing frigid weather and the resulting high demand for electricity, and for natural gas which powers most of the region’s electric generating stations.

Demand for electricity is expected to increase in the PJM region and the regions neighboring PJM because of the extremely cold weather. Electricity customers can take simple electricity conservation steps such as:

• Setting thermostats lower than usual, if health permits;
• Postponing use of major electric appliances such as stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers until other times; and
• Turning off non-essential electric lights, equipment, and appliances.

Conserving electricity as much as possible between now and 10 a.m. on December 25 will help ensure adequate power supplies.

PJM continues to carefully monitor the power supply conditions. It will do everything possible to keep power flowing in the region. If necessary,

PJM may take additional steps, such as reducing voltage. PJM is coordinating efforts among generators, power suppliers and local utilities. PJM also is communicating about the situation with state government officials throughout the region.