Ohio & PA - As single-digit temperatures continue in Ohio and Pennsylvania, concerns come from the mid-Atlantic region's power grid operator.

The call for energy conservation comes from power grid operator PJM Interconnection issued an expanded cold weather alert and a request for conservation for  12 states, including Ohio and Pennsylvania.

PJM is asking consumers to reduce their electricity use from 4 a.m. on December 24 to 10 a.m. December 25.

According to the release, the extreme cold is expected to increase demand across the region, which serves about 65 million people.

Some conservation tips are as follows:

  • Setting thermostat lower than normal
  • Postponing the use of major electric appliances such as stoves, dishwashers, dryers, etc
  • Turning off non-essential lights, equipment, and appliances

Here are some other steps to keep warm without increasing electricity use:

  • Keep doors, windows, and garage doors closed
  • Ensure air vents are not blocked
  • Close doors to unused rooms and turn down the heat in those spaces
  • Close curtains, blinds, and drapes to keep heat in

PJM says conserving electricity will help ensure adequate power supplies.

The company monitors power supply conditions and coordinates with local utility companies, power suppliers, and generators.