Federal Power Grid Emergency Order Includes Illinois: What Southland Residents Need to Know
ComEd says Southland customers don't need to take action, but regional grid operators warn that growing electricity demand is creating new challenges.
On October 12, the U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order authorizing PJM Interconnection to take significant measures to maintain electricity reliability. The order remains in effect through October 16.
This comes amid unusually warm fall temperatures. Chicago reached a record-breaking 88 degrees at O’Hare International Airport on the same day the order was issued. That was 23 degrees above the historical average for the date, according to the National Weather Service.
PJM, however, told the SDA that the challenges extend well beyond this week's weather.
"The conditions we have seen in both September and October reflect the reality that PJM and other grid operators are facing: increased baseload electricity demand is growing faster than new capacity can come onto the system," said Jeff Shields, PJM's senior manager of external communications.
Shields said unusual weather patterns are also leaving fewer opportunities to perform essential maintenance and construction on electricity infrastructure.
What Southland Residents Should Know
Despite the federal emergency declaration, ComEd says customers in Chicago's south suburbs do not need to take any special precautions.
"ComEd customers do not need to take any actions related to these alerts," John Schoen, a ComEd representative, told the SDA. "These are mainly meant for energy generators."
The emergency measures give PJM additional flexibility to maintain electricity supplies and prevent outages during periods of increased demand.
PJM says similar operating conditions have occurred in January, April, May, July, September and October this year, suggesting that electricity reliability challenges are no longer just a peak summer and peak winter thing.
"This is the new reality that grid operators are facing," Shields said.
PJM says it is working with state and federal policymakers to increase electricity supply, accelerate connections for new power generation and remove state permitting barriers that can delay infrastructure projects.
Despite those challenges, Shields said that PJM remains confident in its ability to maintain reliable service.
"PJM is confident that our procedures, along with the DOE orders, give us additional tools to maintain our reserve margins and allow us to operate reliably and keep the lights on for everyday customers," he said.
Electricity Capacity and the Southland’s Development
Beyond the immediate emergency, electricity availability is becoming an important consideration for economic development - that according to SDA CEO, Bo Kemp.
Speaking on October 15, Kemp said the ability to secure enough electricity supplies is influencing where businesses can expand. And where new projects can move forward.
"This is probably the single biggest gating issue for development in the United States, if not the world," Kemp said. "Everywhere you go, trying to figure out where there's enough power to actually build something is one of the decisions that everybody's having to make."
The Chicago Southland sits near the boundary between two major regional grid operators. The first being the aforementioned PJM Interconnection. Then there’s ‘MISO’ - short for Midcontinent Independent System Operator.
Kemp said the region's position could be an important consideration for future development. However, the availability of electricity for individual projects depends on local infrastructure and grid capacity.
"Given the changes that are happening in climate and given the changes that are happening in terms of consumer demand, this is an issue that people are paying attention to," Kemp said.
How Illinois Is Preparing for Future Electricity Demand
Meanwhile, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) says state regulators are also preparing. And they’re looking long-term. There are a bevy of challenges to tackle - including electricity reliability and growing demand.
"Managing the grid through extreme weather conditions is not uncommon and what the ICC and the Regional Transmission Organizations prepare for," said Victoria Crawford, an ICC representative.
Crawford said Illinois utilities and regional grid operators are required to present their severe weather readiness plans to the Commission twice a year.
The state is also developing an Integrated Resource Plan under the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, which took effect June 1, 2026.
The plan is intended to establish a long-term roadmap for meeting Illinois' electricity needs. All while, at the same time, balancing reliability, affordability and environmental sustainability.
According to Crawford, state agencies have already conducted a series of workshops. A report is expected to be submitted to the ICC by November 16.
The report will initiate a formal proceeding before the Commission.
Residents can learn more about the planning process through the Illinois Commerce Commission's website, linked here.
This is a developing story. The SDA has requested additional information from MISO and the Citizens Utility Board and will update this report as responses become available.
About the Southland Development Authority
The Southland Development Authority, a not-for-profit economic development organization, is committed to driving equitable and sustainable economic growth in the South Suburbs of Chicago. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and impactful direct investments, the SDA is building a vibrant, inclusive economy that drives wealth growth for individuals, businesses, and municipalities. Combined with the benefits of the South Suburban Land Bank and the Monarch Fund, the SDA serves as a model for regional development.
