The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued seven emergency orders to several Florida utilities in response to an ongoing period of unusually cold weather that is expected to continue into early next week. The orders, announced over the weekend, are intended to help stabilize the state’s power grid and prevent blackouts as electricity demand rises.
The DOE’s actions were made under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act. The affected utilities include Homestead Public Services Energy, Duke Energy Florida, Orlando Utilities Commission, Florida Municipal Power Agency, and Lakeland Electric. These utilities have been authorized to dispatch additional generation units if needed to maintain reliability during the cold snap.
Three of the orders specifically allow certain generating units and backup generators within the service areas of Florida Municipal Power Agency, Lakeland Electric, and Orlando Utilities Commission to operate at their maximum output levels. This authorization applies even if it means exceeding air emissions or other permit limitations.
These emergency measures follow a letter sent by Secretary Chris Wright on January 22nd urging grid operators to be ready to use backup generation as necessary during extreme weather events. According to DOE estimates, more than 35 gigawatts of unused backup generation capacity remains available across the country.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright stated: “As extreme, prolonged cold hits Florida, maintaining affordable, reliable, and secure power in the region is non-negotiable. The previous administration’s energy subtraction policies weakened the grid, leaving Americans more vulnerable to blackouts and higher electricity prices. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are reversing those failures and using every available tool to keep the lights on and Florida homes heated through this cold snap.”
On his first day in office, President Trump declared a national energy emergency in response to what officials described as increased vulnerability in the nation’s electric grid following earlier policy changes. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has reported that winter electricity demand is increasing rapidly while closures of coal and natural gas plants have heightened risks for outages during severe weather conditions. NERC’s 2025–2026 Winter Reliability Assessment indicates that many regions across the continental United States face elevated blackout risks when temperatures drop sharply.
According to data from DOE’s National Laboratories, power outages cost Americans $44 billion each year. The department said these new orders will help reduce outage risks not only in Florida but also highlight broader efforts by current federal policies aimed at ensuring reliable electricity nationwide.
The emergency orders take effect immediately and will remain active through early February 2026. More information about specific order dates can be found on DOE’s list of 2026 202(c) Orders.
These steps align with President Trump’s Executive Order declaring a National Energy Emergency and are designed to ensure adequate electricity supply while minimizing blackout risks.
