PJM Interconnection

Ohio is among 13 states within PJM Interconnection. The regional grid fell short in securing electric reserves, even as electricity costs hit the maximum ceiling.

The demand for electricity is higher than its been since 2011 on the PJM grid. Utilities like AEP Ohio are asking consumers to limit their use of electricity.

To meet the demand, progressives say there's untapped potential in solar and wind renewables, as battery technologies catch up and get less expensive. But conservatives want to rely on fuel sources they say are better suited to Ohio, like natural gas.

The operator of the regional power grid that electrifies Ohio is waving a red flag that demand for kilowatts in the state is growing faster than the power being generated, driven primarily by the growth of data centers.