The Trump administration declared a power emergency in the southeastern US, allowing Duke Energy Corp. to operate power plants at maximum output and exceed pollution limits. The order aims to boost generation to meet soaring demand amid a dangerous heat wave across the Carolinas.
The declaration highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to extreme weather events and the potential trade-offs between energy generation and environmental regulations during peak demand periods.
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.
The measure is intended to bolster electricity supply amid soaring demand in North and South Carolina, where temperatures were forecast to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius). Duke Energy had previously warned the Department of Energy that it might struggle to meet demand and requested the emergency authorization to prevent potential blackouts.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the Department of Energy would utilize all available tools to maintain a reliable energy system. The emergency order is authorized under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, which allows for waivers of federal, state, or local environmental regulations during emergencies to ensure consistent power supply.
Pick the topics you care about. Get only what matters, on your cadence.