# DOE emergency power order covers 17 states > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-power-grid-strain-during-heat-wave > Updated: 2026-08-17T08:27:57.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 6. Following MISO’s late‑July warning of reserve depletion, the Southwest Power Pool issued a Level 3 Resource Advisory, prompting the U.S. Department of Energy to issue an emergency electricity order on July 26 that was broadened on July 27. The order temporarily waives select environmental rules and authorises SPP to dispatch idle backup generation, standby generators and battery storage across Arkansas and its 16 neighboring states, tapping more than 35 GW of unused capacity. It remains in effect until 11:59 p.m. CDT on August 3. A later clarification on July 29 identified the order’s reach as 17 states spanning from North Dakota to Louisiana, explicitly naming Texas, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming and others. The directive is estimated to affect roughly 20 million people and includes provisions to prioritize electricity for critical infrastructure such as water‑treatment and irrigation systems. Forecasts of cooler air arriving in Montana by the weekend’s end are expected to ease grid pressure after several days of record heat. Utilities like SWEPCO have reported grid stability and no anticipated rolling blackouts, while urging modest thermostat adjustments and participation in energy‑saving programs to help maintain reliable power throughout the central United States during the heat dome. By mid-August, the Southwest Power Pool issued a new Resource Advisory on August 16 to monitor potential strain from a historic heatwave, expected to remain in effect through at least August 19. Officials noted this advisory is a precautionary measure and a normal operating condition that does not require specific public conservation actions. ## Claims - The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order covering 17 states to maintain reliable electricity during extreme heat. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order on July 26, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The order authorizes Southwest Power Pool to dispatch backup generation resources, including auxiliary, standby, and battery storage units. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The emergency order remains effective until 11:59 p.m. CDT on August 3, 2026, unless extended. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The emergency was triggered by extreme heat that raised electricity demand, reduced wind and solar generation, and caused potential generation outages. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said the previous administration's policies weakened the grid and that the current administration is reversing those failures. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The order allows use of more than 35 gigawatts of unused backup generation nationwide. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Power outages cost Americans an estimated $44 billion each year. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Cooler weather is expected in Montana by the weekend’s end, easing grid demand. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The order excludes backup power for critical safety facilities such as defense, homeland security, first responders, hospitals, 911 call centers, and water treatment plants. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-17: Southwest Power Pool issues grid advisory during heatwave The Southwest Power Pool issued a Resource Advisory through August 19, 2026, to monitor power grid reliability across 17 states, including Louisiana, during a historic heatwave. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/southwest-power-pool-issues-grid-advisory-during-heatwave ### 2026-07-29: DOE issues emergency power order for 17 U.S. states during heat wave The DOE issued a 17‑state emergency power order to keep the grid stable during a heat wave, authorizing backup generation and lasting until Aug 3 2026. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-department-of-energy-issues-emergency-power-order-for-montana-amid-record-heat ### 2026-07-29: SWEPCO Says No Rolling Blackouts as Summer Bills Rise in Louisiana SWEPCO assures Louisiana customers no rolling blackouts despite a DOE emergency order, but warns summer heat will lift electricity bills and urges energy‑saving steps. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/swepco-says-no-rolling-blackouts-as-summer-bills-rise-in-louisiana ### 2026-07-27: U.S. DOE issues emergency order to protect power grid across 17 states during heat wave The DOE issued a July 26 emergency order authorizing the Southwest Power Pool to mobilize backup generation across 17 states to prevent power outages during a severe heat wave, effective until Aug 3. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-doe-issues-emergency-order-to-protect-power-grid-across-17-states-during-heat-wave ### 2026-07-23: US DOE Issues Emergency Order to Prevent Power Blackouts Amid Heat Wave The U.S. DOE issued a July 20 emergency order letting Southwest Power Pool exceed limits and use reserve generators to avert blackouts as a heat wave drives record electricity demand across 17 states. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-doe-issues-emergency-order-to-prevent-power-blackouts-amid-heat-wave ### 2026-07-22: US Grid Operators Warn Rolling Blackouts as Heat Wave Strains Power Supply MISO and Southwest Power Pool warned that rolling blackouts may be needed across the Midwest and central U.S. as a heat wave pushes electricity demand beyond limited reserve margins. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-grid-operators-warn-rolling-blackouts-as-heat-wave-strains-power-supply --- Cite as: DOE emergency power order covers 17 states. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-power-grid-strain-during-heat-wave