Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued an emergency order to address potential blackout risks in the Carolinas amid extreme heat. The order, issued under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, permits Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC to dispatch specified generating units and require their operation as necessary to maintain grid reliability.
The order further allows Duke Energy, along with its Transmission Owners, to operate backup generation resources as a last resort before or during an Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) 3. This action aims to secure electricity supply during high-demand periods such as Labor Day weekend.
The emergency order is effective from September 3 through September 8, 2026, following Duke Energy's application on September 3. U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright stated that the order supports Americans' access to affordable power and criticized previous policies for weakening grid stability.
According to the statement, President Trump declared a national energy emergency, citing concerns about grid vulnerability following earlier energy policy changes. The DOE's action aims to safeguard energy reliability for consumers in the region during high demand conditions.