Energy Department issues emergency orders for mid-Atlantic power grid amid heat wave

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As an electric grid operator warns of potential power shortages amid this week’s heat wave, the Trump administration is issuing emergency orders aiming to maximize output.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued orders directing grid operator PJM to dispatch more power generation from various fossil fuel plants, as needed, despite environmental restrictions that are typically in place.

He also authorized PJM to direct backup power sources to “operate as a last resort.”

The orders come after PJM, which stands for Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland, warned of an emergency situation because of the hot weather.

“PJM is projecting peak loads of approximately 159,563 MW on July 1, 2026 and approximately 162,860 MW on July 2, 2026,” said a letter from Michael Bryson, PJM’s senior vice president for operations.

“The forecasted demand raises a significant risk of emergency conditions that could jeopardize electric reliability and public safety,” Bryson added.

In much of the country, temperatures are expected to be particularly high this week. According to the National Weather Service, in the Eastern U.S., several “all-time heat records are likely to be broken.”

Despite its name, PJM actually coordinates electric transmission in 13 states and Washington, D.C. It has come under recent scrutiny for power prices, particularly in the wake of rising demand from data centers.

In a statement, Wright said the latest moves will ensure reliability across the mid-Atlantic.

“Maintaining affordable, reliable, and secure power in the PJM service territory is non-negotiable,” Wright said, adding that his department was “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.”

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