The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued an emergency order aimed at preventing blackouts in the Mid-Atlantic region during Winter Storm Fern. The order, enacted under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, allows PJM Interconnection, LLC to operate certain power resources beyond typical environmental or state restrictions.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright stated, “As Winter Storm Fern brings extreme cold and dangerous conditions to the Mid-Atlantic, maintaining affordable, reliable, and secure power in the PJM region is non-negotiable. The previous administration’s energy subtraction policies weakened the grid, leaving Americans more vulnerable during events like Winter Storm Fern. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are reversing those failures and using every available tool to keep the lights on and Americans safe through this storm.”
President Trump declared a national energy emergency at the start of his administration. This move followed concerns that previous policies had made the power grid more susceptible to outages. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has noted that winter electricity demand is increasing rapidly and that shutting down coal and natural gas plants prematurely can increase risks for American families during severe weather events. NERC’s 2025–2026 Winter Reliability Assessment indicates an elevated risk of blackouts across much of the continental United States when facing extreme weather.
Data from DOE’s National Laboratories shows that power outages cost Americans $44 billion annually. The new order aims to reduce these losses by ensuring a stable supply of electricity during severe winter conditions.
The emergency order will remain in effect from January 25 through January 31, 2026. According to DOE officials, such actions align with President Trump’s executive orders on national energy emergencies and are intended to maintain necessary generation capacity during periods of high demand.
