U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has issued an emergency order aimed at reducing the risk of power outages in the Mid-Atlantic region ahead of the upcoming winter. The directive requires PJM Interconnection, working with Constellation Energy, to keep Units 3 and 4 of the Eddystone Generating Station in Pennsylvania operational. The goal is to maintain grid reliability during peak demand periods and to minimize costs for consumers.
“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Energy is using all tools available to keep the lights on and heat running for the American people,” said Energy Secretary Wright. “This emergency order is needed to strengthen grid reliability and will help provide affordable, reliable, and secure power when Americans need it most.”
According to a Department of Energy Resource Adequacy Report, there is a significant risk that power outages could increase substantially by 2030 if reliable energy sources are retired without adequate replacements.
The Eddystone units were previously scheduled for retirement but were kept online through an earlier emergency order issued on May 30, 2025. Their continued operation over the summer contributed to energy security in PJM’s service area, especially during periods of high demand caused by heat waves in June and July. A follow-up order was also issued on August 28, 2025.
PJM’s service area experienced record winter electricity demand in January 2025, surpassing previous peaks set in 2015. The new emergency order will be effective from November 26, 2025 through February 24, 2026.
PJM has raised concerns about resource adequacy for several years. In a February 2023 report, PJM noted increasing risks due to mismatches between retiring resources and new generation coming online. In December 2024 filings with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), PJM reported substantial increases in load additions and escalating concerns about resource adequacy.
During a March 2025 hearing before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Manu Asthana, President and CEO of PJM Interconnection, testified that there is a “growing resource adequacy concern . . . impacting a significant part of our country.”
