This is the grid operating as intended. There are no mandatory or rolling blackouts yet. That is Stage 3; PJM is calling for Stage 2 countermeasures to avoid going to Stage 3. The operators feel comfortable that this will give them the margin required per the quote on the article, and affects businesses without need for constant power (and this is a known prior agreement for those businesses, with remuneration).

Electricity is a commodity to be managed like all others, and during times of extreme cold this is good management. I think it’s easy to bash grid operators (I know, I live in Texas!) but this seems like proper operating procedure here.