June 29, 2026
— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
Triple-digit temperatures are on their way, and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has noticed.
The PUC, which regulates utilities in the state, has recommended ways for Pennsylvanians to keep cool and save money. The suggestions are pretty familiar but may be more imperative now that PPL has raised its electricity rate and distribution rate, and other utilities have boosted prices.
The commission recommends the usual, such as raising the thermostat a degree or two (mine is off anyway), using fans, using some high-energy appliances such as washing machines at night, and they say to “stay hydrated.”
That last one makes sense but may be out of the PUC’s purview. The commission also suggests closing blinds. Yes that’s a good idea but if you have to tell somebody that, the battle has already been lost.
The PUC also notes that the PJM, which coordinates the distribution of energy across 13 states and Washington, D.C., has the authority “as a last resort and only under the most severe emergency conditions” to tell big industrial users such as data centers to use backup energy resources.
That final step would be taken “only to help avoid broader emergency actions affecting electric customers.”
Disclosure: I own shares of PPL.
So here’s a link to the PUC’s advice and below is a cut-and-paste version:
PUC Urges Consumers to Explore #WaysToStayCool and #SaveInPA as Region Faces Extreme Heat
Published on 6/29/2026
Filed under: Electric
Simple steps Pennsylvanians can take to remain safe, reduce power grid strain, and support resilient energy as early summer heat wave arrives
HARRISBURG – As forecasters warn of potentially dangerous heat across Pennsylvania and much of the Mid-Atlantic this week, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging residents to help themselves and their communities through #WaysToStayCool and #SaveInPA.
Consumers can take everyday steps to help keep households safe and comfortable and reduce stress on the regional power grid by changing daily routines and shifting energy-intensive tasks (like running washing machines or charging electric vehicles) to off-peak hours.
“As we face a week of extreme summer heat, staying cool and saving energy requires a balanced approach,” said PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank. “We can beat the heat and help protect the power grid by blending smart cooling habits with simple changes to our daily routines.”
Staying Ahead of the Heat
Persistent high temperatures place increased strain on both homes and utility systems. In response, the PUC is closely monitoring electric utility operations across the Commonwealth and remains in regular contact with utilities to help identify and address any issues that may arise as the heat continues.
The PUC is also monitoring developments within PJM – which as regional grid operator has already begun preparations for the possibility of prolonged extreme heat and extraordinary electric demand. This includes PJM’s request for temporary emergency authority from the U.S. Department of Energy that would authorize PJM, as a last resort and only under the most severe emergency conditions, to direct that certain large electric customers – including some data centers and other major industrial or commercial facilities equipped with backup generation – temporarily operate those backup resources before broader emergency actions affecting electric service become necessary.
The Commission notes that PJM has emphasized this emergency authority would be used only after other available reliability tools have been exhausted and only to help avoid broader emergency actions affecting electric customers.
Everyone Can Help Support Reliability
During periods of extreme heat, individual consumers can also help reduce strain on the electric system—particularly during the late afternoon and early evening hours when electricity demand is typically at its highest.
The PUC encourages Pennsylvanians to remember these #WaysToStayCool and #SaveInPA tips:
- Raise your thermostat a degree or two, if it can be done safely and comfortably.
- Delay using high-energy appliances, like dishwashers, clothes dryers, and ovens, until cooler parts of the day.
- Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day to reduce indoor temperatures.
- Use fans to improve comfort while reducing air conditioning demand where appropriate.
- Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics.
- Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat, and check on older adults, neighbors, and others who may be especially vulnerable.
Every action that safely reduces electricity demand during periods of peak usage helps support the reliable operation of the regional electric system. From regional grid operators and electric utilities to large energy users and individual households, preparation and cooperation remain essential to maintaining safe and reliable electric service during periods of extraordinary demand.
More Information and Resources
For additional summer energy tips and links to utility programs and tools, visit www.PAPowerSwitch.com.
The PUC remains committed to working alongside Pennsylvania’s utilities, emergency agencies, and communities to maintain reliable service and support residents through this extended period of high heat. Together, we can stay safe, stay cool — and keep Pennsylvania powered.
About the PUC
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.
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