U.S. Department of Energy issues electrical emergency for Mid-Atlantic

The U.S. Department of Energy has issued an emergency order to mitigate blackout risks across the Mid-Atlantic region on the East Coast. The order, signed by Energy Secretary Chris Wright, targets the grid operated by PJM Interconnection, which manages electricity supply and transmission for 13 states and Washington, D.C., serving over 60 million people.

Effective from last Tuesday through Friday, October 16, the measure authorizes PJM Interconnection to utilize additional power generation resources. It also allows certain generating facilities to operate beyond normal restrictions to maintain the electricity supply.

The emergency response comes as unusually high temperatures for October overload the electrical grid. The Department of Energy identified three primary stressors: high demand, significant autumn maintenance at power plants, and scheduled work on transmission facilities.