Business · Energy & Commodities · 5 hrs ago
US issues power grid emergency order as temperatures rise
The US Energy Department issued a temporary power grid emergency order as unusually warm weather is expected across the Mid-Atlantic and Ohio Valley.
The order covers PJM Interconnection’s grid across 13 states and Washington, DC, serving more than 60 million people.
PJM coordinates electricity supply across the region, where some power plants and transmission lines are out for repairs.
Higher temperatures could increase electricity use as people turn on fans and air conditioners, tightening supply.
The order lets power plants exceed some pollution limits and allows certain plants to be brought back into use if needed.
PJM said customers do not need to take any action or reduce their electricity use.
The emergency order is expected to remain in effect through Friday to help prevent widespread blackouts.
The US Department of Energy issued a short-term emergency order to reduce the risk of power outages as temperatures rise.
The order allows PJM Interconnection to use additional power generation and exceed normal pollution limits.
PJM manages electricity across 13 states and Washington, DC, serving more than 60 million Americans.
The order took effect Tuesday and is expected to remain in place through Friday.
PJM said customers would not be required to take any action.
- Who
- The US Department of Energy issued the order, affecting regional grid operator PJM Interconnection.
- What
- An emergency order allows additional power generation and temporary exemptions from normal pollution limits.
- When
- It took effect Tuesday and is expected to last through Friday. The article was published October 13, 2026.
- Where
- PJM's grid covers 13 states and Washington, DC, across the Mid-Atlantic, Ohio Valley and Northeast.
- Why
- Unseasonably warm temperatures could increase electricity demand while power plants and transmission lines are undergoing repairs.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The emergency order went into effect.
The order is expected to remain in place during the period of unseasonably warm temperatures.
- Affected population
- More than 60 million Americans
- Grid operator
- PJM Interconnection
- Coverage
- 13 states and Washington, DC
- Order authority
- Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act
- Temperature forecast
- 70s and 80s in the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic
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What people are saying
This order will help ensure millions of American families and businesses across the mid-Atlantic have access to affordable, reliable, and secure electricity by making additional power generation, including backup power, available to use as needed.
the tight grid conditions were being caused by more people using electricity while many generators were being serviced before the winter