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Top U.S. power grid operator PJM Interconnection forecasts increased electrification of transportation and industry will triple its growth expectations for electricity use in its footprint over the next decade.
In its annual load report released Monday, PJM said it expects a load of 151,254 MW and 134,663 for 2024 summer and winter respectively, with annual electricity demand growth averaging 1.7% for summer peaks and 2% for winter peaks through 2034, up from 0.4% and 0.7% growth, respectively, in last year’s forecast.
PJM forecast summer peak load rising to 178,895 MW in 2034 and the winter peak climbing to 164,824 MW in 2034.
The grid operator also anticipates electricity use in its footprint will jump 2.4% annually through the decade, up from 0.8% growth expectations a year ago.
In its forecast, PJM assumes electric vehicle load will soar to nearly 13,530 MW by 2034, up from ~500 MW this year.
The PJM zones with the highest annual 10-year net energy growth rates over the coming decade, according to the report, are Dominion Energy (D) at 7.4%, First Energy’s (FE) Metropolitan Edison at 3% and Jersey Central Power & Light at 2.7%, American Electric Power (AEP) at 2.1%, and Public Service Electric & Gas (PEG) at 2%.