As temperatures across Ohio continue to climb, so does the demand for electricity. This week, the regional electric grid is expected to experience some of the highest energy use of the year, making member participation in Peak Alerts more important than ever.
According to an update from Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives CEO Craig Grooms, Buckeye Power’s peak demand recently reached approximately 1,850 megawatts (MW)—just below its all-time peak of 1,910 MW. Across the broader PJM regional transmission system, demand is forecast to reach nearly 166,000 MW as the heat continues.
To help maintain reliability during this period of exceptionally high demand, the U.S. Department of Energy has issued an emergency order giving PJM additional operational flexibility to ensure enough electricity is available across the region. This is a proactive step to support grid reliability during extreme weather.
How Peak Alerts Help
When our cooperative issues a Peak Alert, we’re asking members to voluntarily reduce electricity use during a few critical hours of the day.
Simple actions—such as raising your thermostat a few degrees, waiting until later to run the dishwasher or clothes dryer, and turning off unnecessary lights—can make a meaningful difference.
Reducing electricity use during peak periods helps:
- Improve the reliability of the regional electric grid.
- Reduce the need to purchase expensive wholesale power when prices spike. During this week’s extreme heat, wholesale power prices reached approximately $750 per megawatt-hour during peak periods.
- Help control power supply costs, which benefits the entire cooperative membership.
Behind the scenes, Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives are working together to ensure reliable service. 
Currently:
- All three Cardinal generating units are online.
- All eleven OVEC generating units are available.
- The Greenville and Mone generating plants are available and generating electricity during peak demand periods.
Our operations teams and regional grid operators continue to monitor conditions around the clock to ensure reliable electric service.
Thank You for Your Partnership
One of the strengths of the cooperative model is that members and their cooperative work together. By responding to Peak Alerts, you help reduce strain on the electric grid, support reliable service for your neighbors, and help manage power costs during periods of extreme demand.
Thank you for doing your part to keep electricity reliable, affordable, and available for everyone.