Arctic Cold Snap Pushes PJM Grid Toward Near Record Electricity Demand
A severe cold spell across thirteen states is driving electricity demand toward record levels. PJM Interconnection manages the surge as prices fluctuate.
The PJM Interconnection forecasted electricity demand on the largest power grid in the US 
US to reach a high of 141 gigawatts on Friday as a harsh cold spell continues to grip the region. This projected peak comes as 13 Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states face an unusually prolonged period of Arctic weather that has already tested the system for 10 days. Earlier in the week, PJM predicted a demand peak of 148 gigawatts for Friday but eventually ratcheted down that forecast. The current seasonal record stands at 143.7 gigawatts, which was established in January 2025.
US to reach a high of 141 gigawatts on Friday as a harsh cold spell continues to grip the region. This projected peak comes as 13 Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states face an unusually prolonged period of Arctic weather that has already tested the system for 10 days. Earlier in the week, PJM predicted a demand peak of 148 gigawatts for Friday but eventually ratcheted down that forecast. The current seasonal record stands at 143.7 gigawatts, which was established in January 2025.
