FRANKFORT, KY –  PJM Interconnection, the electricity grid operator for more than 61 million people in 13 states and the District of Columbia, is requesting the public to conserve electricity tomorrow as bitter cold weather continues across the region.

Demand for electricity is expected to increase because of the extremely cold weather. PJM and Kentucky Power ask consumers to conserve electricity, if health permits – especially from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Electricity customers can take simple electricity conservation steps:

• Set thermostats lower than usual, to the lowest comfortable level (if health permits).
• Postpone using major electric appliances such as stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers until mid-day or after 9 p.m., when the demand for electricity decreases, and
• Turn off electric lights, appliances and equipment that you do not need or are not using.

Conserving electricity will help ensure adequate power supplies. It will also save you money. PJM continues to carefully monitor the power supply conditions and will do everything possible to keep power flowing in the region. If necessary, PJM will take additional steps to ensure the electrical system’s integrity.

Kentucky Power has energy savings tips and ideas listed on its website at kentuckypower.com. It also reminds customers that conserving electricity at any time is a wise move which can save money and help protect the environment.

PJM Interconnection, founded in 1927, ensures the reliability of the high-voltage electric power system serving 61 million people in 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. PJM coordinates and directs the operation of the region’s transmission grid, which includes 62,556 miles of transmission lines; administers a competitive wholesale electricity market; and plans regional transmission expansion improvements to maintain grid reliability and relieve congestion.

Kentucky Power is an operating unit of American Electric Power and provides electricity to approximately 172,000 customers in all or parts of 20 Eastern Kentucky counties. The company is headquartered in Frankfort and has major operating facilities in Ashland, Hazard, Louisa and Pikeville.

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