US DOE Issues Emergency Order to Prevent Power Blackouts Amid Heat Wave

On July 20, 2026 the U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order authorizing Southwest Power Pool (SPP) to exceed normal operating limits for generators, including reserve units at data centers and industrial sites, to avert rolling blackouts. The order, signed by Energy Secretary Chris Wright under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, temporarily waives certain environmental regulations to maximize generation capacity. It follows a severe heat wave that pushed temperatures above 100 °F across the central and eastern United States, driving electricity demand to near‑record levels and prompting alerts from grid operators such as the Midcontinent Independent System Operator and PJM. By allowing SPP— which manages the grid in 17 states—to tap unused reserve capacity of more than 35 GW, the DOE aims to protect public health and safety and keep millions of households and businesses powered during the extreme weather event.