The US Department of Energy announced emergency measures due to the risk of blackout

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has issued an emergency order to ensure the reliability of the Mid-Atlantic grid ahead of critical grid loads. This is reported on the website of the Ministry of Energy. It is valid from 13 to 16 October 2026.

The measure was taken against the background of planned shutdowns of generating capacities during the autumn maintenance season and planned shutdowns of power lines.

PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM) is required to introduce certain power units as needed to maintain the reliability of the power grid, and to use spare generating capacity as a last resort, both before and during an energy emergency.

“This order will help ensure that millions of American families and businesses in the Mid-Atlantic region have access to affordable, reliable, and safe electricity by providing additional generating capacity — including spare capacity — for use as needed,” Wright said. “While previous leadership’s policies to reduce power capacity have made the grid more vulnerable to the threat of power outages during periods when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing, this administration is committed to using all available means to prevent such disruptions.”.

Last time the order was in force from September 17 to September 18 amid hot weather and scheduled interruptions in the operation of power lines.