PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — – PJM Interconnection, an electricity grid operator, released a statement asking consumers to reduce their use of electricity from 4 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 25.
They issued the request to prevent potential blackouts in the region, saying electricity demand is expected to increase due to the extremely cold weather.
PJM says people can conserve their usage in a few ways:
• Set your thermostats lower than usual, if health permits.
• Postpone use of major electronic appliances like stoves and dishwashers.
• Turn off non-essential electric lights, equipment and appliances.
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The company powers all –or parts– of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.
Some consumers from Pennsylvania said they are okay with PJM's request.
Forrest Piver, of Northern Liberties, says, if this is what needs to be done to limit power outages in the region, so be it.
Piver says he typically tries to reduce his usage, especially in times like this, but understands that some may not be able to do that.
“Personally, I don't turn on my lights during the day. I don't really need it. I have lots of windows, small things like that. I think it's fair. We should all do our part when we can.”
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Phillip Xander, of Roxborough, feels the request is a reminder for people to unplug and turn everything off before going to bed, as most things, like Christmas lights, have no reason to be on while people are sleeping.
“Like who's really up at that point in time?" Xander said.
"Ain’t none of the kiddies aren’t up at that point in time, like nobody's really paying attention to the lights at that very point in time.”
PJM said they are doing everything they can to keep electricity up-and-running, but will reduce voltage if necessary.