Key facts
- The Trump administration declared a power emergency in the southeastern US due to a heat wave.
- The Energy Department issued an emergency order allowing Duke Energy Corp. to exceed pollution limits and operate plants at maximum output.
- The order aims to prevent blackouts amid soaring electricity demand in North and South Carolina.
- Temperatures in parts of the Carolinas were expected to exceed 100F (38C).
- The emergency authorization is in effect from June 24-25, 2025.
The Trump administration has declared a power emergency in the southeastern United States as a severe heat wave strains power grids. The Energy Department issued an emergency order, effective June 24-25, 2025, allowing Duke Energy Corp. to operate its power plants at maximum generation output and temporarily exceed certain air pollution limits.