PJM's capacity auction missed its reliability target by 6,831 MW

PJM Interconnection reports that its latest capacity auction procured about 138,318 MW of generation, but committed supply fell 6,831 MW short of its reliability standard. The Citizens Utility Board also summarized the results.

What happened

PJM said the auction cleared at the federally approved cap of $325 per MW-day. The independent market monitor estimated that about $6.3 billion of the cost is directly driven by data center demand. PJM says it would pay generators about $16.4 billion for June 2028 to May 2029.

What it means for your home

The shortfall is measured against a standard of one event in 10 years, so it means less margin for extreme conditions. PJM links the rising demand forecasts to data center growth. The next auction is scheduled for December, so the picture may change. A home backup plan helps in either case.

What to do this week

• Check whether your utility is in the PJM region, since that decides whether this auction applies to you.
• Save your utility's outage page and phone number.
• Charge a portable power station before severe weather.
• Make a list of medicines and devices that need power, and ask your doctor or pharmacist about a backup plan.
• Store at least three days of water and a battery radio.

For a step-by-step setup, read Run a fridge on a portable power station.