U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright announced on July 14 that new measures are being implemented to secure the Mid-Atlantic electric grid ahead of an expected period of hot weather. The order is set to take effect at 11:59 PM EDT on July 14, 2026, and will expire at 11:59 PM EDT on July 21, 2026.
“Maintaining affordable, reliable, and secure power in the PJM service territory is non-negotiable,” said Wright. “The previous administration’s energy subtraction policies weakened the grid, leaving Americans more vulnerable during events like this. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are reversing those failures and using every available tool ensuring Americans in the Mid-Atlantic have continued access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy to power and cool their homes.”
The Department of Energy estimates that more than 35 gigawatts of unused backup generation remain available nationwide. Power outages cost American consumers $44 billion per year based on data from DOE’s National Laboratories. According to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) 2026 Summer Reliability Assessment, peak electricity demand in PJM occurs during summer months; NERC notes that “if extreme high temperatures are experienced, PJM anticipates the need for demand-response resources to help reduce load.”
Recent initiatives by the Department of Energy include a Notice of Intent for ‘Building Energy Codes: Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation Program,’ which provides $225 million for implementing updated building energy codes with funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law; these efforts aim at improving efficiency and resilience in buildings across America, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. In addition, a $96 million funding opportunity was announced on July 21, 2022, for decarbonizing domestic transportation through expanded electric vehicle charging accessibility and cleaner engine technology, according to the Department of Energy.
Other recent activities include testimony before Congress highlighting technology development by national laboratories supporting environmental management missions as reported by the DOE Office of Environmental Management, as well as projects using innovative passive processes such as raising groundwater pH levels with crushed marble at former coal-fired plants, according to the DOE Office of Environmental Management. The department also recently announced support for over 140 programs under President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative intended to deliver clean energy investments into disadvantaged communities, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Wright said these actions highlight “common sense policies” designed “to ensure Americans have access to affordable, reliable, and secure power.”