Grid reliability is a central focus for Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC). With extreme cold temperatures expected in the coming week, REC is closely monitoring energy availability to ensure reliable service for more than 180,000 consumers across 22 Virginia counties. As part of the PJM regional energy grid, REC recognizes the heightened importance of this effort as a potential all-time winter peak in electricity demand is anticipated between January 20–22.
What does this mean for consumers:
- Higher Energy Bills: Extreme cold means heating systems must work harder to keep homes warm, which leads to increased energy use and higher bills.
- Potential for Load Curtailment: If demand surpasses available supply, utilities may voluntarily reduce energy consumption in certain areas to stabilize the grid.
- Power Outages: While we strive to prevent them, prolonged cold spells could result in controlled outages to protect the grid's overall stability. Have a back-up heating source and/or plan for keeping yourself and your family safe and warm.
“This week’s weather forecast, and the possibility of an all-time winter peak within the PJM market, shows that our nation’s energy grid faces ever-growing grid reliability challenges while demand for electricity continues to soar,” said John Hewa, president and CEO of REC.
REC’s engineering and power supply experts are closely monitoring energy demand within the REC grid, in addition to energy and transmission capacity in PJM. All teams are ready to respond should voluntary load curtailment be requested by PJM.
“Our teams are prepared to handle any situations that arise as a result of the extreme cold temperatures and possibility of all-time peak within the PJM market resulting in impacts to REC’s member-owners,” said Chris Stoia, vice-president – engineering and power supply.
In 2024, a North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) report warned that “when electricity supplies become constrained, operators can face a simultaneous sharp increase in demand as electric heating systems consume more power in cold temperatures.” Although brief in nature, rolling blackouts can prevent the power grid from failing in a critical time when energy demand exceeds supply and reserves.
REC members can reduce energy use to help save energy and money:
- Lower your thermostat a few degrees. REC recommends setting thermostats to 68 degrees in the winter. When away from your location and overnight decrease the temperature setting by an additional few degrees to support energy reduction efforts.
- Avoid the use of space heaters when possible. Space heaters run constantly and require a lot of energy to operate and maintain comfort. If you must use a space heater, use only in an occupied space, turn off when you leave the room, and limit the run time to only a few hours.
- Avoid using large appliances and other equipment during peak hours (early morning and evening), such as washers and dryers, dishwashers, and limit the use of hot water. Also avoid operating hot tubs or jacuzzi bathtubs during this time.
- Unplug non-essential electronics. Many electronics use electricity when powered off. Unplug things like phone chargers, gaming systems, etc.
REC provides important safety recommendations for any power outage situations. Learn about the essential items recommended to keep you safe and comfortable in the event of an outage: myrec.coop/stormprep.
Watch for updates from REC on our website, social media channels, or through our member alerts systems. REC will proactively notify its member-owners in the event of an emergency. To receive proactive alerts, update your contact information within MyREC SmartHub. Login from our homepage at myrec.coop or using the MyREC SmartHub mobile app (available for free in the Google Play and Apple App stores). If you experience an outage, report it through the MyREC SmartHub app, at www.myrec.coop/out, or by calling 1-800-552-3904.
