Pa. Helps Power PJM Regional Grid Network

Pennsylvania is part of the PJM Interconnection, the largest grid operator in the country, serving all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia. PJM was initially formed in 1927 when Pennsylvania and New Jersey utilities formed a power pool (Maryland was later added in 1956, leading to the name PJM). The idea behind these larger grid networks is to ensure capacity and reliability.

PJM is based in Valley Forge, Pa., where its control room balances moment-to-moment power flows of up to 154,000 megawatts for more than 67 million people from the mid-Atlantic coast to Chicago.

A regional grid like PJM connects multiple utilities and power plants across a large geographic area, allowing regions with excess generation (e.g., from solar, wind, or baseload plants) to send power to areas with high demand or shortfalls.

Pennsylvania not only is the largest power producer in PJM’s territory, but also the top exporter of electricity in the United States. In fact, Pennsylvania exports nearly twice as much power as the No. 2 state, Alabama. Pennsylvania exported 87.3 million megawatt-hours in 2024, compared to Alabama's exports of 44.4 million.

Electricity demand varies by region and time. Regional grids smooth out these fluctuations. Peak demand in one area may be offset by lower demand in another, making the grid more stable overall. Likewise, if a major power source or line fails, the regional grid can reroute power from elsewhere. This prevents blackouts and improves system resilience.

Regional grids also enable larger markets where power can be bought and sold more efficiently. This encourages competition, driving down prices and ensuring that the cheapest and most reliable power sources are used first.

Regional grids are important because they enhance reliability, balance supply and demand across wider areas, and provide critical backup during emergencies – and Pennsylvania plays an outsized role in keeping everyone connected.