Energy Secretary Secures Mid-Atlantic Grid Due to Anticipated Stressed System Conditions

WASHINGTON-The U.S. Department of Energy today issued an emergency order to mitigate blackout risks in the Mid-Atlantic ahead of the forecasted hot weather conditions and planned transmission outages. The order directs PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM) to dispatch specified resources and to order their operation as needed to maintain reliability. The order also authorizes PJM to direct backup generation resources to operate as a last resort before declaring an Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) 3 or during an EEA 3. PJM is authorized to call upon its Transmission Owners and Electric Distribution Companies to implement the order as needed. The order was issued pursuant to an application from PJM submitted on September 16, 2026.

"Today's order will help secure reliable electricity access for millions of American families and businesses across the Mid-Atlantic by making additional power generation, including back-up power, available to use as needed," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. "It should come as no surprise that during the end of summer and early fall, there are fewer hours of daylight-and therefore, less power generation from solar power. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation and others have warned of the potential dangers late summer temperature spikes can pose to the grid when leaders prematurely retire reliable power sources. While past leaders' energy subtraction policies have made the grid more vulnerable to blackouts when the sun doesn't shine or the wind doesn't blow, this administration remains committed to using every available tool to prevent blackouts."

DOE estimates more than 35 GW of unused backup generation remains available nationwide.

The order is in effect upon issuance on September 17, 2026, through September 18, 2026.