COLUMBUS, Ohio — As subzero wind-chill temperatures settle across Ohio and the Midwest, the regional power grid is bracing for an unprecedented stretch of winter electricity demand. PJM Interconnection,

ELSCO Transformers reports U.S. electricity demand may rise by 50% over 25 years, yet the aging power grid struggles to keep pace, needing $5T in upgrades.

The severe winter storm that dumped heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain across the South and East Coast is putting strain on the largest grid region in the United States, with lingering low temperatures causing all-time highs for power demand.

With frigid temperatures for a second straight day, Ameren Illinois and Corn Belt Energy customers on Saturday were asked to reduce their non-essential use of electricity following an emergency warning by the regional grid operator MISO.

During the largest winter storm of the season, which saw up to two-feet of snow blanket New England as a deep freeze sent temperatures plummeting into the single-digits, the regional grid reported that oil was heavily relied on while renewable energy sources provided negligible electrical power.