Energy Secretary Strengthens Mid-Atlantic Grid Reliability

WASHINGTON-U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today issued an emergency order authorized by Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, ensuring Americans maintain access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy without interruption. The emergency order permits PJM Interconnection L.L.C. (PJM), in coordination with the Talen Energy Corporation, to run Unit 4 at the Wagner Generating Station in Anne Arundel County, Maryland to meet anticipated electricity demand. The order follows an application from PJM submitted on May 21, 2026.

"Energy shortfalls for 65 million Americans are simply unacceptable," said Secretary Wright. "Previous orders in the mid-Atlantic region have helped keep the lights on and I'm confident this order will help do so in the coming summer months as well. Today's order helps temporarily address the urgent need to strengthen grid reliability and ensure Americans across the mid-Atlantic region have access to affordable, reliable and secure power regardless of whether the sun shines or wind blows." 

Secretary Wright previously granted PJM's requests to allow for the dispatch and operation of Unit 4 of the Maryland-based Wagner Generating Station in exceedance of its operating limit.

Due to the need to rely on Wagner Unit 4 during the atypically high seasonal temperatures and generator outages, PJM assessed that in such circumstances, there are insufficient generation run hours remaining due to the Operating Limits on Wagner Unit 4. This emergency action ensures that the 65 million Americans in PJM's service area maintain access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy. The "growing resource adequacy concern" that PJM cited in its July 2025 request still exists today.

This order is in effect beginning on May 22, 2026, through August 19, 2026.

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