Archive · 20 Aug 2026
US Invokes Emergency Power Authority to Protect Mid-Atlantic Supply
The US government is taking temporary action to help keep electricity running in the Mid-Atlantic.
This region provides power to about 65 million people.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright allowed one Maryland power-generating unit to run longer than normally permitted.
The unit is at the Wagner Generating Station.
PJM Interconnection said it may need the unit when many people are using electricity.
The emergency order will last from August 20 through November 17.
Officials are worried that extreme weather and older power plants could make the grid less reliable.
Electricity use is also growing because of data centers, artificial intelligence, and factories.
The goal is to reduce the chance of power shortages and outages.
The Trump administration invoked emergency authority to reduce outage risks across the Mid-Atlantic.
The region serves about 65 million people across 13 states and Washington, D.C.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright authorized Wagner Generating Station Unit 4 in Maryland to operate beyond its current limit.
The order runs from August 20 through November 17 and was requested by PJM Interconnection.
Officials cite rising demand, extreme weather, retiring power plants, data centers, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing as grid pressures.
- Who
- The Trump administration, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, PJM Interconnection, and Talen Energy Corporation are involved.
- What
- The Energy Department issued an emergency order allowing Wagner Generating Station Unit 4 to operate beyond its current limit.
- When
- The order was issued Wednesday local time and is effective from August 20 through November 17.
- Where
- The order applies to Unit 4 at the Wagner Generating Station in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, serving the Mid-Atlantic region.
- Why
- PJM expects to need the generating unit during periods of high electricity demand and warned of potential supply shortages.
- People served
- About 65 million people
- Geographic coverage
- 13 states and Washington, D.C.
- Generating unit
- Unit 4 at the Wagner Generating Station
- Location
- Anne Arundel County, Maryland
- Authority used
- Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act
- Effective period
- August 20 through November 17
- Regional coordinator
- PJM Interconnection