The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order Monday giving regional grid operator PJM Interconnection additional tools to maintain electricity supplies through Friday. The order aims to prevent blackouts amid unusually high electricity demand. Unseasonably warm weather is increasing demand while power plants and transmission equipment are offline for scheduled fall maintenance.
The order allows PJM to access additional power generation and temporarily exceed certain environmental permit restrictions. The order also allows PJM, as a last resort, to direct data centers and other major electricity users to switch to backup generators. PJM has extended alerts through Wednesday to warn power suppliers about tight grid conditions.
PJM says customers do not need to take any action right now. PJM says the emergency measures aim to maintain grid reliability rather than signal that widespread outages are imminent. PJM is not asking customers to voluntarily conserve energy. PJM says additional measures could be necessary depending on grid conditions.
The order identifies Pepco, Dominion Energy and Baltimore Gas and Electric service territories as the three areas facing the most acute challenges across PJM's 13 states and the D.C. area. Dominion's service territory includes much of Loudoun County and Data Center Alley. Dominion says none of the data centers served by Dominion have switched to backup generators because of the order.
Utilities typically schedule maintenance during cooler fall months, when electricity demand is lower. Dominion spokesperson Jeremy Slayton said temperatures this week are running 10 to 20 degrees above normal across PJM's territory. PJM spokesperson Jeff Shields said grid operators face fewer stretches of mild weather for essential maintenance. Shields said planned maintenance seasons will continue to present risks previously faced only in summer and winter. Pepco spokesperson Chuck McDade said growing demand from data centers, electric vehicles and other sources is adding pressure as older power plants retire.
Electricity supply costs are already rising as regional demand exceeds available power. Pepco says a typical customer in D.C. is paying about $30 more per month for electricity supply than in 2024. Pepco says Maryland customers are paying roughly $17 more per month for electricity supply than in 2024. Those increases are not a direct result of this week's emergency. However, Pepco says the same supply pressures are increasing costs.
The utilities recommend raising thermostats by 3 to 4 degrees to save money during the unusual October heat. The utilities also recommend using ceiling fans, closing blinds and shutters, and running dishwashers and washing machines after dark.
U.S. Department of Energy Issues Emergency Order to Prevent Blackouts in D.C. and Surrounding Areas
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Summary
The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order on October 13, 2026, to help PJM Interconnection manage electricity demand through October 17. High usage from warm weather and maintenance has raised concerns about blackouts. On-chain news shows rising electricity costs, with D.C. customers paying $30 more monthly than in 2024. Inflation data suggests energy prices could impact broader economic trends. Major users may be asked to switch to backup generators, though none have done so yet.
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