Energy Secretary Secures Florida’s Grid During Prolonged Cold Snap

Secretary Wright issued seven emergency orders over the weekend to stabilize Florida's grid and lower costs ahead of prolonged cold temperatures.

WASHINGTON-The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued seven emergency orders over the weekend to mitigate the risk of blackouts in Florida as exceptionally low temperatures hit the state and are expected to persist through early next week. Pursuant to Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, the orders were issued to Homestead Public Services Energy (HPS/Energy), Duke Energy Florida, LLC (Duke), Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC), Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA), and the city of Lakeland, Florida on behalf of Lakeland Electric.

If these utilities determine that additional generation is necessary to meet electricity demand, the orders authorize them to dispatch units only as needed to maintain reliability. Three of the orders specifically authorize certain generating units and backup generating units within the service areas of FPMA, Lakeland Electric and OUC to operate up to their maximum generation output levels, notwithstanding air emissions or other permit limitations. These actions follow a letter Secretary Wright sent on January 22nd to grid operators asking them to be prepared to use backup generation if needed to mitigate the risk of blackouts from extreme weather. DOE estimates more than 35 GW of unused backup generation remains available nationwide.

"As extreme, prolonged cold hits Florida, maintaining affordable, reliable, and secure power in the region is non-negotiable," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. "The previous administration's energy subtraction policies weakened the grid, leaving Americans more vulnerable to blackouts and higher electricity prices. Thanks to President Trump's leadership, we are reversing those failures and using every available tool to keep the lights on and Florida homes heated through this cold snap."

On day one, President Trump declared a national energy emergency after the Biden Administration's energy subtraction agenda left behind a grid increasingly vulnerable to blackouts. According to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), "Winter electricity demand is rising at the fastest rate in recent years," while the premature forced closure of reliable generation such as coal and natural gas plants leaves American families vulnerable to power outages. The NERC 2025 - 2026 Winter Reliability Assessment further warns that areas across the continental United States have an elevated risk of blackouts during extreme weather conditions.

Power outages cost the American people $44 billion per year, according to data from DOE's National Laboratories. This order will help mitigate power outages in the Mid-Atlantic and Carolinas and highlights the commonsense policies of the Trump Administration to ensure Americans have access to affordable, reliable and secure electricity.

These orders are in effect immediately and will continue through the beginning of February 2026. Please visit DOE's list of 2026 202(c) Orders for specific dates.

BACKGROUND

These orders are in accordance with President Trump's Executive Order: Declaring a National Energy Emergency and will ensure the availability of generation and minimize the risk of blackouts.

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