Maryland power grid faces strain amid record cold, high demand

Chevall Pryce, The Baltimore Sun on Jan 28, 2026

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BALTIMORE — PJM, the regional grid operator, warned it could set a winter electricity demand record this week as extreme cold grips Maryland and surrounding states, heightening concerns about temporary power outages.

In a report released this week, the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) said electricity demand is elevated across PJM’s footprint, which spans 13 states and the District of Columbia, but conditions are most acute in the BGE service area. The region is considered transmission-constrained, making it harder to move power into the area during periods of peak use.

MEA officials in the report said there is a “low but not insignificant” risk of a grid event during high-demand morning hours through Friday. Such an event could trigger load shedding — temporary power outages — to protect grid stability.

Officials from both PJM and BGE said they are in regular contact and coordinating to keep the power grid stable, working to keep the lights on.

“PJM is forecasting the potential for record peak load this week during extreme cold, which will stress an already constrained transmission grid and require electricity supply from all available generating facilities,” BGE officials said in a statement to The Baltimore Sun. The utility said it expects to maintain service but will notify customers if grid conditions worsen.

Baltimore is bracing for more extreme cold, with the National Weather Service forecasting a high of 22 degrees Thursday and wind chills as low as minus 6. Temperatures are expected to plunge to around 4 degrees Thursday night and remain frigid through Friday, with no relief above freezing expected until next Wednesday.

Asking residents to take steps

BGE encouraged residents to take voluntary steps to reduce energy use during extreme cold, including lowering thermostats a few degrees when safe to do so, postponing energy-intensive activities such as laundry and dishwashing, turning off unused lights and appliances, and opening curtains during the day to capture natural heat from the sun.

State officials also urged counties and Baltimore City to review emergency protocols for critical infrastructure such as hospitals and water treatment plants, and ensure backup power is available for essential facilities. Counties were also encouraged to consider closing nonessential public buildings if conditions deteriorate.

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