PJM power grid operator calls for voluntary reduction in electric use from 3-7 p.m.

 Yellow area shows this morning's power usage and the gray is the projected demand. (PJM  Interconnection website)

Yellow area shows this morning's power usage and the gray is the projected demand. (PJM Interconnection website)

The company that operates the power grid for New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and ten other states is asking all users to reduce power consumption between 3-7 p.m.

PJM Interconnection says the electricity demand spiked overnight and is likely to peak this afternoon. It is therefore asking everyone to cut back where they can. PJM has asked its power suppliers to be ready to provide electricity at “emergency levels” today.

PJM, based in Valley Forge, Pa., says power usage was so high earlier today it set a new wintertime record and another record may be set this afternoon. PJM says the conservation efforts will help ensure adequate power supplies for all of its customers. 

PJM manages the wholesale power supply for all or part of 13 states, which are New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

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Select forecasts:

 

Philadelphia

A Wind Chill Advisory remains in-effect until Wednesday 6 a.m.

Today – Clear skies, winds 15 to 20 mph, with a high of 11. Wind chill temperature will be about minus 11 below zero.

Tonight – Breezy with a low near 3. Wind chill around minus 12 degrees.

 

Trenton

A Wind Chill Advisory remains in-effect until Wednesday 6 a.m.

Today – Clear skies, winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts 30 mph, with a high of 10. Wind chill temperature will be about minus 12 degrees.

Tonight – Breezy with a low near 3. Wind chill around minus 12 below zero.

 

Atlantic City

A Wind Chill Advisory remains in-effect until Wednesday 6 a.m.

Today – Clear skies, winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts 35 mph, freezing ocean mist, with a high of 14. Wind chill temperature will be about minus 8 degrees.

Tonight – Breezy with a low near 8. Wind chill around minus 10 below zero.

 

Cape May

A Wind Chill Advisory remains in-effect until Wednesday 6 a.m.

Today – Clear skies, winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts 35 mph, freezing ocean mist, with a high of 14. Wind chill temperature will be about minus 9 degrees.

Tonight – Breezy with a low near 6. Wind chill around minus 12 below zero.

 

Long Beach Island

A Wind Chill Advisory remains in-effect until Wednesday 6 a.m.

Today – Clear skies, winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts 35 mph, freezing ocean mist, with a high of 13. Wind chill temperature will be about minus 9 below zero.

Tonight – Breezy with a low near 3. Wind chill around minus 12 degrees.

Associated Press contributed to this report

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