Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Trump Administration Orders Backup Power for Storm
The U.S. Energy Department is asking companies that have backup power, like data centers and factories, to share that power if there are electricity shortages during the upcoming winter storm.
This is to prevent blackouts and keep electricity prices low.
The department can do this under a special law that allows them to take control of power facilities in emergencies.
The idea is to use the extra power these companies have to help the whole grid.
However, using diesel generators for this power could cause more pollution, which some people are worried about.
The Energy Secretary has been working on this plan for a while and thinks it could also help during hot summer months when power demand is high.
The Energy Department ordered grid operators to use backup power from data centers and other facilities during the winter storm to prevent outages.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright invoked emergency powers to address potential electricity shortages and high prices.
The plan involves tapping into backup power from manufacturing facilities, retail businesses, and data centers.
The administration aims to avoid rolling blackouts and lower electricity prices, with the program potentially extending to summer peak demand.
Concerns about carbon emissions from diesel generators have been raised, but officials have dismissed these worries, blaming environmental rules for energy shortages.
- Who
- U.S. Energy Department, Energy Secretary Chris Wright
- What
- Order to make backup power from data centers and other facilities available during winter storm
- When
- Ahead of the weekend's winter storm, with plans implemented in recent months
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To address potential power outages and high electricity prices due to the storm and rising demand from data centers
- Department
- Energy
- Secretary
- Chris Wright
- Backup Power Sources
- Data centers, manufacturing facilities, retail businesses
- Potential Power Generation
- 35 gigawatts
- Emergency Law
- Energy secretary can control electricity generating facilities in emergencies
- Potential Impact
- Avoid rolling blackouts, lower electricity prices
- Environmental Concerns
- Carbon emissions from diesel generators