Dive Brief:

• Grid operator PJM Interconnection said it has enough capacity to meet projected peak demand this summer. 
• The overall summer forecast was raised by 1.3% this year, with peak demand forecast at 157,279 MW after last summer's peak exceeded predictions. Peak demand had been forecast at 155,553 MW but actually hit 157,141 MW. 
• PJM has 183,220 MW of installed capacity and 10,600 MW of demand response. This puts PJM's reserve capacity margin at 25.4%, higher than the required 16.2% margin.

Dive Insight:

The record summer peak was 164,592 MW, set in July 2011. Although demand is not projected to reach those heights again, PJM saw a new record winter demand peak of 141,846 MW set on January 7.

Increasingly frequent extreme weather is making demand less predictable, and becoming an increasing concern for utilities and grid operators.