PJM issues geomagnetic disturbance warning, signals limited risk to grid By Reuters

(Reuters) – PJM Interconnection, the largest U.S. electric grid operator, on Thursday issued a warning of a possible geomagnetic disturbance that could affect its system until 2 a.m. ET on Oct. 11.

Geomagnetic disturbances, also known as solar magnetic disturbances, are caused by activity on the sun’s surface. They are quite rare, but present potential network disruptions.

However, PJM said it does not expect any significant impacts or emergency conditions due to geomagnetic disturbances. Coordinate with neighboring generation and transmission owners and network operators.

The warning is in effect Thursday at 11:41 a.m. ET in response to a North American Electric Reliability Corp warning based on a notification from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.