(Reuters) – PJM Interconnection, the largest U.S. power grid operator, on Thursday issued a possible geomagnetic disturbance warning that could impact its system through 2 a.m. Eastern Time on October 11.
Geomagnetic disturbances, also known as solar magnetic disturbances, are caused by activity on the surface of the sun. They are fairly rare but pose potential disruptions to the grid.
However, PJM said it does not expect any significant impacts or emergency conditions due to geomagnetic disturbances. It is coordinating with generation and transmission owners and neighboring grid operators.
The warning is in effect as of 11:41 a.m. ET on Thursday in response to a North American Electric Reliability Corp warning based on a notice from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.