The Trump administration has issued an emergency order to prevent potential blackouts across 13 states as unseasonably warm October temperatures strain the electrical grid serving more than 60 million Americans.
The Department of Energy authorized PJM Interconnection, a regional grid operator, to use additional power generation resources as rising electricity demand coincides with scheduled maintenance at power plants and transmission facilities. The order, issued Monday under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, takes effect Tuesday and remains in place through Friday, October 16. It allows certain generating facilities to operate beyond normal restrictions if needed to maintain electricity supplies.
PJM Interconnection serves all or parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. A spokesperson for PJM, Jeff Shields, said electricity demand is growing faster than new generating capacity can come online, while unpredictable weather is leaving fewer opportunities for critical maintenance and construction.
The emergency action comes as temperatures across parts of the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic are expected to climb into the 70s and 80s, increasing electricity demand while some generating facilities and transmission lines remain offline for maintenance. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the order will help ensure millions of American families and businesses have access to affordable, reliable, and secure electricity.
The Department of Energy is also pursuing separate investments to strengthen the nation's electrical infrastructure, including a recent announcement to support 84 Tennessee Valley Authority transmission and distribution projects across eight states, representing approximately $581 million in planned investments.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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