Energy Secretary Issues Emergency Orders to Stabilize Northeast Power Grids
Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued emergency orders on January 25 and 26 to prevent blackouts in the Mid-Atlantic and New York during Winter Storm Fern.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright issued two emergency orders on January 25 and 26, 2026, to stabilize the power grid across the Mid-Atlantic and New York regions during Winter Storm Fern. Acting under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, these orders authorize PJM Interconnection and the New York ISO to operate specific power resources regardless of existing state laws or environmental permit limits.
The measures follow a national energy emergency declared by President Donald Trump to address rising winter electricity demand and systemic grid vulnerability. The order for the New York region is scheduled to remain in effect until February 2, 2026.
Wright attributed the grid's fragility to the previous administration's energy policies, claiming they weakened the infrastructure and left Americans more vulnerable to extreme weather. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation had previously warned that winter electricity demand is rising at the fastest rate in recent years, increasing the risk of widespread blackouts.
