The Energy Department issued temporary emergency orders allowing specified generating units to operate at maximum output despite certain air-quality or permit limitations.
A U.S. Department of Energy emergency order covering the electric grid in 17 states was scheduled to expire at 11:59 p.m. CDT on Aug. 3, after taking effect July 26 during hot weather. The available DOE notice does not confirm whether the order was extended, replaced or allowed to lapse.
DOE issued emergency orders for PJM on June 30, 2026—dispatch authority runs to July 3 (extended to July 6) and last-resort backup runs to July 7.
DOE Order 202-26-35 is in effect July 14–21 for PJM reliability during the heat peak, directing unit dispatch and authorizing backup power as needed.
