U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright issued an emergency order on Wednesday to reduce the risk of power outages across the mid-Atlantic region, the US Department of Energy announced. The action is authorized under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act.
The directive permits regional grid operator PJM Interconnection, L.L.C., in coordination with Talen Energy Corporation, to run Unit 4 at the Wagner Generating Station in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The order allows the facility to run beyond its standard operating limits to meet anticipated electricity demand.
PJM requested federal intervention after using Wagner Unit 4's remaining operating hours during periods of unusually high temperatures earlier in the summer. PJM told the department that it anticipates ongoing demand spikes and requires the unit to maintain reliable grid operations.
Wright previously granted PJM requests to run Wagner Unit 4 past its limits to prevent supply disruptions across 13 states and the District of Columbia. “Energy shortfalls for 65 million Americans are simply unacceptable,” Wright said. “Previous orders in the mid-Atlantic region have helped keep the lights on and I am confident this order will help do so in the coming months as well.”
The emergency order is effective starting August 20, 2026, and remains in place through November 17, 2026.
