Press Release

PUC Urges Consumers to Prepare for Extreme Cold Next Week

Published on 1/17/2025

Filed under: Electric Gas

Severe Weather Could Drive Up Energy Demand During the Long Holiday Weekend and Beyond

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today alerted consumers across the Commonwealth about the forecast of extremely cold temperatures for early next week, which is expected to drive up peak demand for electricity and natural gas.

The PUC is closely coordinating efforts with the regional electric grid operator PJM Interconnection (PJM), as well as local electric and natural gas utility operators across Pennsylvania, to ensure that systems remain reliable during this cold snap.

“The relatively mild weekend conditions may conceal the extremely cold weather expected to hit Pennsylvania early next week – leaving some consumers surprised and potentially unprepared,” said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. “We are working around the clock with PJM and all of our utilities to ensure that everyone is fully prepared for the higher stress on energy delivery systems. We want to make sure that Pennsylvania families and businesses stay warm and safe over the long holiday weekend and into the early part of next week.”

Close Coordination and Preparations Underway

The PUC is working closely with local utilities, PJM and various state agencies to ensure that all parties are prepared for the challenging days ahead.

• PJM Declaration of Conservative Operations - PJM Interconnection has issued a Declaration of Conservative Operations from Monday, January 20, through Wednesday, January 22, to allow more flexibility to maintain reliability and to ensure that all systems and equipment are ready for the frigid conditions.
  
  
• Utility Actions - Utilities throughout the state are already taking steps to prepare for the added stress on their systems, including:
  • Increased Customer Outreach about conservation, efficiency and service issues.
  • Added Staffing for possible maintenance and repair.
  • Ensuring Equipment and Materials are in stock.
  • Canceling Non-Essential Planned Outages during the event.
  • Monitoring Circuits and Equipment to identify potential issues.
  • Identifying Critical Circuits that support essential facilities (e.g., hospitals).
  • Conducting Additional Leak Surveys for natural gas systems.
  • Preparing Emergency Messaging Systems, in the event they are needed.

PUC Working With State Agencies

The PUC continues to work closely with the Governor’s Office, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and other agencies that may be involved in a coordinated response to severe weather-related energy issues.

“In many respects, this situation feels similar to Winter Storm Elliott in 2022, when bitter cold temperatures stretched the energy grid to extremes,” Chairman DeFrank added. “Fortunately, this time we have more time to prepare, and our lines of communication with PJM and the utilities are open and active. We are ready to implement voluntary conservation steps, if needed, and are prepared for any additional directives from PJM.”

Tips for Consumers

The PUC urges residents to stay informed and consider simple steps to reduce energy usage when temperatures plunge, such as:

1. Adjust Your Thermostat – Lowering the thermostat a few degrees, especially during times you are away or asleep, can significantly reduce energy consumption.
2. Seal Leaks and Drafts – Use weather stripping, caulk, or door sweeps to block cold drafts and keep warm air indoors.
3. Use Natural Sunlight – Open curtains and blinds on sunny days to let in warmth and close them at night to retain heat.
4. Bundle Up Indoors – Dress in layers and use extra blankets to stay warm without turning up the heat excessively.
5. Maintain Heating Systems – Change furnace filters regularly and schedule maintenance if possible, ensuring systems run efficiently.
6. Unplug and Power Down – Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use to conserve electricity.

“Everyone has a role to play in managing energy usage,” Chairman DeFrank noted. “Simple steps can help keep bills manageable, reduce the strain on energy systems, and ensure that critical power remains available to all who need it. Stay tuned for any additional updates or recommendations over the weekend and early next week.”

Stay Informed

The PUC urged consumers to take the following additional steps, to ensure they receive important updates in a timely manner:

• Follow announcements from your local utility and from the PUC for any changes or updates regarding possible conservation measures.
• Sign up for alerts and notifications from local weather services, your utility company, PEMA, and local emergency management agencies.
• Follow your utility, the PUC, and emergency agencies on social media to receive those updates.
• Check local media and PUC resources over the holiday weekend for any quickly developing updates.

Consumers should also remember that Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 20, is part of the holiday weekend when many households and businesses may alter their normal schedules—an added factor to keep in mind when planning your energy use.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov