NE US Electricity Usage Sets a Record for Winter

The operator of the power grid for the mid-Atlantic and parts of the Midwest said Monday that it reached an all-time record for winter electricity use amid frigid weather on the East Coast.

Valley Forge, Pa.-based PJM Interconnection, which operates the power grid in 13 states and Washington, D.C., said demand Monday morning rose above 112,500 megawatts. The previous record for winter use, set in December 2005, was 110,414 megawatts.

PJM spokesman Ray Dotter said the peak was the result of soaring demand for power, combined with the cold weather. Dotter said PJM officials expected another record to be set Monday evening. Power demand in the winter peaks in the morning and the evening hours.

Dotter said PJM has sent out a cold weather alert to its members, calling on them to check to make sure they have adequate fuel and making sure that their power plants are ready to run. But Dotter also said that power officials believe there are plenty of power plants available to meet demand.

Chicago Tribune/AP