A perfect storm is brewing for the Trump admin. It could undo all the work they’ve ever done.
That’s why Trump was forced to declare a national emergency for this threat putting millions at risk.
On Monday evening, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued an urgent directive to a key grid operator following its appeal for federal assistance. The PJM Interconnection, responsible for managing electricity across multiple states, sought the order to operate the Wagner Generating Station in Maryland beyond its standard limits. The DOE’s emergency authorization permits PJM and Talen Energy to utilize specific units to address heightened electricity demand.
This action comes as several grid operators nationwide grapple with intense summer heat, prompting the DOE to issue multiple emergency directives in recent months to maintain grid stability during critical periods. “This order reduces the threat of power outages during peak demand conditions for millions of Americans,” DOE Secretary Chris Wright stated.
“The Trump administration remains committed to swiftly deploying all available tools and authorities to safeguard the reliability, affordability, and security of the nation’s energy system.”
PJM recently highlighted concerns about its ability to meet rising electricity needs, noting that aging power plants and retirements are straining resource availability. A Talen Energy spokesperson confirmed to reporters, “Talen was aware in advance and did not oppose PJM’s request for an order from DOE that exempts Wagner Unit 4 from certain time restrictions in its air permit and will allow the unit to continue to operate for continued reliability.”
Energy experts and grid reliability monitors have long cautioned that the U.S. faces a growing gap between electricity demand and supply, which could result in widespread blackouts. A DOE report released on July 9 warned that without replacing retired power plants, blackouts could increase by a factor of 100 by 2030.
Trump Administration’s All-of-the-Above Energy Policy
The Trump administration has prioritized an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, emphasizing the use of diverse energy sources to ensure a stable and reliable power supply. This approach seeks to maximize the potential of fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewables to meet the nation’s energy needs, particularly during peak demand periods like summer heatwaves. By leveraging all available resources, the administration aims to bolster grid reliability, reduce energy costs, and enhance national energy security.
The DOE’s recent emergency orders, such as the one issued to PJM, reflect this commitment to flexibility in energy management. These orders allow grid operators to bypass certain environmental restrictions temporarily to keep power plants running during high-demand periods. This pragmatic approach ensures that critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and emergency services, remains operational when electricity usage spikes.
The administration’s policies also focus on modernizing the nation’s aging energy infrastructure. Many power plants, particularly coal and natural gas facilities, are reaching the end of their operational lifespans. The DOE has emphasized the need to maintain existing capacity while investing in new technologies to replace retiring plants. This includes supporting advanced nuclear reactors and carbon capture systems to balance reliability with environmental considerations.
Summer peak periods, driven by increased air conditioning use, place significant stress on power grids. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has warned that several regions, including parts of the Midwest and Northeast, face elevated risks of power shortages during extreme heat. The Trump administration’s strategy addresses these challenges by encouraging the use of all energy sources, including natural gas and coal, which can provide consistent power output during peak demand.
Natural gas, in particular, plays a pivotal role in the administration’s energy framework. It is a reliable and relatively low-cost fuel source that can quickly ramp up to meet sudden increases in electricity demand. The DOE has supported expanding natural gas infrastructure, including pipelines and storage facilities, to ensure a steady supply during critical periods.
Nuclear energy is another cornerstone of the administration’s approach. Nuclear plants provide a stable, carbon-free power source that can operate continuously, making them ideal for meeting baseline and peak electricity needs. The DOE has allocated funding for research into small modular reactors, which offer greater flexibility and lower costs compared to traditional nuclear facilities.
Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, are also part of the administration’s diversified portfolio. However, their intermittent nature poses challenges during peak demand. To address this, the DOE is investing in energy storage technologies, such as advanced batteries, to store excess renewable energy for use during high-demand periods.
The administration’s policies have drawn praise from industry groups for prioritizing grid reliability. The American Petroleum Institute has noted that an all-of-the-above approach ensures energy security while supporting economic growth. However, environmental groups have raised concerns about the reliance on fossil fuels, arguing that it could delay the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Grid reliability is particularly critical during summer months, when heatwaves drive up electricity consumption. The DOE’s proactive measures, such as issuing emergency orders, demonstrate a commitment to preventing blackouts that could disrupt daily life and economic activity. By maintaining a diverse energy mix, the administration aims to avoid the supply-demand imbalances that have plagued other nations during extreme weather.
The DOE’s July 9 report goes to show the long-term risks of failing to replace retiring power plants. With electricity demand projected to grow significantly due to electrification trends, such as electric vehicles and data centers, the administration is pushing for policies that incentivize private investment in new energy infrastructure. This includes streamlining permitting processes for new power plants and transmission lines.
