The United States is facing challenges due to the increased electricity demand from technological advancements and domestic manufacturing. In response, the President has issued an order to strengthen the reliability and security of the nation's electric grid.
"The United States is experiencing an unprecedented surge in electricity demand driven by rapid technological advancements, including the expansion of artificial intelligence data centers and an increase in domestic manufacturing. This increase in demand, coupled with existing capacity challenges, places a significant strain on our Nation’s electric grid,” the President stated.
The order comes amid concerns about the national and economic security risks posed by potential grid failures. "Lack of reliability in the electric grid puts the national and economic security of the American people at risk," the order emphasized.
In a broader policy effort, the nation aims to ensure the grid's resilience by using all available power generation resources. "It is the policy of the United States to ensure the reliability, resilience, and security of the electric power grid," the statement reads.
The order directs the Secretary of Energy to expedite processes during anticipated electricity supply interruptions to prevent grid failure. The Secretary is tasked with developing a uniform methodology to analyze reserve margins and identify areas at risk of falling below acceptable thresholds. "This methodology shall analyze sufficiently varied grid conditions and operating scenarios based on historic events to adequately inform the methodology," the document notes.
The plan includes a protocol to ensure critical generation resources are retained within regions at risk. "This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations," the text specifies.
The administration emphasizes that the order doesn't alter any legal authority of departments or interfere with the Office of Management and Budget's functions. "Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof," the order states.
This approach aligns with previous declarations, including Executive Order 14156 issued in January.
The President signed the order on April 8, 2025.
