US issues power grid emergency in 13 states: Reason and what it means for residents
The US Department of Energy has issued an emergency order for the PJM Interconnection to ensure grid stability across 13 states. The directive aims to manage electricity demand during unseasonably warm weather and scheduled infrastructure maintenance.
Why it matters
Grid stability is critical for preventing blackouts and ensuring the reliability of essential infrastructure during periods of high demand.
US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has issued an emergency order authorising PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission operator serving much of the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions, to run designated power generation units as needed to protect grid stability. The federal directive, issued on October 12, grants PJM temporary emergency authority running from October 13 through October 16. Under the order, the grid operator can mandate certain power plants to generate electricity and, in limited circumstances, tap into backup power reserves to maintain a steady flow of energy across its multistate network, as per the order available on the department’s official website.
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