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US Department of Energy declares power grid emergency in 13 states
The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has issued an emergency order for the PJM Interconnection region to prevent potential blackouts. The emergency, effective from October 13 through October 16, 2026, affects a network serving between 60 and 65 million people across 13 states and Washington D.C.
The order, issued under the Federal Power Act, allows power plants to exceed standard pollution limits to boost generation and enables the mobilization of backup generators. The emergency was triggered by a combination of high electricity demand due to unseasonably warm temperatures, scheduled autumn maintenance at several power plants, and ongoing repairs to transmission infrastructure.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated the measures are intended to ensure reliable electricity for families and businesses. The PJM Interconnection, which coordinates supply for Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington D.C., indicated that the order does not currently require customers to reduce their electricity usage.
Entities
Chris Wright · Department of Energy · PJM Interconnection · S&P Global Energy · United States
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The emergency order is effective from October 13 to October 16, 2026. www.negocios.com · www.ecoportal.net · www.unilad.com · www.timesnownews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The emergency affects 13 states and Washington D.C. www.negocios.com · www.unilad.com · www.timesnownews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The PJM Interconnection region serves between 60 and 65 million people. www.negocios.com · www.unilad.com · www.timesnownews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The US Department of Energy issued emergency order No. 202-26-50 for the PJM Interconnection region. www.unilad.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The emergency order does not require customers to reduce electricity use. www.timesnownews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The order allows power plants to exceed normal pollution limits to boost generation. www.unilad.com · www.timesnownews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The grid is under pressure due to seasonal maintenance and transmission line repairs. www.negocios.com · www.ecoportal.net · www.timesnownews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] High demand is driven by unseasonably warm temperatures in the Mid-Atlantic and Ohio Valley. www.unilad.com · www.timesnownews.com