FORECAST RECORD ELECTRICITY DEMAND TO TEST LARGEST US POWER GRID, BLACKOUT CHANCES RISE

Transmission line congestion on the largest U.S. power grid is expected to soar on Thursday as the PJM Interconnection forecasts record winter power demand ahead of the weekend, boosting electricity prices and raising the chances for rolling blackouts.

Congestion prevents the cheapest electricity being delivered to homes and businesses, forcing PJM and other grid operators to dispatch less efficient and more expensive power plants to meet demand. As a result, PJM's spot wholesale electricity prices have soared past $1,000 per megawatt hour this week in areas where power line congestion has constrained the flow of electricity.

Learn More