Grid Operator Appeals for Energy Conservation

Pepco and PJM Interconnection, the electricity grid operator for more than 61 million people in 13 states and the District of Columbia, are extending the appeal for the public to conserve electricity into Wednesday (Jan. 8) morning.

The call for conservation is prompted by the continuing arctic weather across the region PJM serves that is driving electricity consumption to record levels.

On Tuesday (Jan. 7) morning, PJM set a new winter peak of 138,600 megawatts (one megawatt is enough electricity to power 1,000 homes.) That record was expected to be later that night as the grid operator projected demand for electricity of about 140,000 megawatts. D

Demand was expected to remain high—but below record levels—Wednesday morning, and generating plants in the region continue to be stressed by the frigid temperatures.

PJM asks customers to conserve electricity, if health permits – especially from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Customers can take simple electricity conservation steps:

• • • Set thermostats lower than usual, if health permits. Postpone using major electric appliances such as stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers until mid-day or after 9 p.m., when the demand for electricity decreases. Turn off electric lights and appliances that you do not need or are not using.

Conserving electricity on Wednesday will help PJM ensure an adequate supply of electricity. Pepco and PJM continue to carefully monitor the power supply conditions. If necessary, PJM will take additional steps, such as reducing voltage.

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