The Department of Energy issued an emergency order on 10/12/2026 authorizing PJM Interconnection to take measures to maintain electric-grid reliability between October 13 and October 16.
On October 12, 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued emergency DOE Order No. 202-26-50, pursuant to section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, to PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM). The order directs PJM to dispatch specified units and to order their operation as needed to maintain reliability. The order also authorizes PJM to direct backup generation resources to operate as a last resort before declaring an Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) 3 or during an EEA 3. PJM is authorized to call upon its Transmission Owners and Electric Distribution Companies to implement the order as needed. The order was issued pursuant to an application from PJM submitted on October 11, 2026. The order is effective October 13, 2026, through October 16, 2026.
The order permits PJM to direct backup generators at data centers and other large commercial and industrial facilities to operate as a last resort before or during a Level 3 Energy Emergency Alert.
PJM requested the emergency authorization because of anticipated electricity shortages and transmission constraints.
According to DOE’s order, PJM forecasts electricity demand of approximately 111,500 MW or higher on October 13 and expects to be within 900 MW of its reserve margin on October 14.
The region also faces approximately 61,591 MW of anticipated generation outages, with particularly acute concerns in the Baltimore Gas and Electric, Pepco, and Dominion Energy service territories.
The order authorizes PJM to dispatch specified generating resources and, under emergency conditions, direct large electricity consumers to use on-site backup generation instead of grid power.
It also provides limited flexibility concerning certain environmental operating restrictions during the emergency period.
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