Trump Energy Department issues emergency order to prevent blackouts across 13 states amid unusual October heat

What happened: The Energy Department issued an emergency order under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act allowing PJM Interconnection to use additional power generation to prevent blackouts across 13 states amid unusual October heat. Key numbers: Order effective Tuesday through Friday, Oct. 16. Grid serves more than 60 million Americans. Why it matters: PJM said it does not expect the emergency conditions to affect everyday customers, but warned rising demand and unpredictable weather are creating grid reliability challenges and leaving fewer chances for maintenance. Coverage: 4 outlets in 24h

The Energy Department issued an emergency order under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act allowing PJM Interconnection to use additional power generation to prevent blackouts across 13 states amid unusual October heat.

PJM said it does not expect the emergency conditions to affect everyday customers, but warned rising demand and unpredictable weather are creating grid reliability challenges and leaving fewer chances for maintenance.