Energy Secretary Secures Mid-Atlantic Grid Ahead of Period of Hot Weather

WASHINGTON-The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today issued an emergency order to mitigate blackout risks in the Mid-Atlantic ahead of the forecasted hot weather conditions and expected system load increase. The order directs PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM) to dispatch specified units 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 July 13, 2026.

"Maintaining affordable, reliable, and secure power in the PJM service territory 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 during events like this. Thanks to President Trump's leadership, we are reversing those failures and using every available tool ensuring Americans in the Mid-Atlantic have continued access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy to power and cool their homes."

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

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 risks of blackouts. According to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation's (NERC) 2026 Summer Reliability Assessment, the peak electricity demand in PJM occurs during the summer season. NERC further notes that "if extreme high temperatures are experienced, PJM anticipates the need for demand-response resources to help reduce load."

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

This order is in effect beginning on July 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT and shall expire at 11:59 PM EDT on July 21, 2026.