The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued an emergency order authorizing the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to deploy backup generation resources at data centers and other major facilities in response to Winter Storm Fern. The order, made under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, aims to prevent blackouts as extreme weather impacts Texas.
This action follows a letter from Energy Secretary Wright to grid operators, urging them to prepare for possible use of backup generation. DOE estimates that more than 35 gigawatts of unused backup generation are available nationwide.
Energy Secretary Wright stated, “The Trump administration is committed to unleashing all available power generation needed to keep Americans safe during Winter Storm Fern. Unfortunately, the last administration had the nation on track to lose significant amounts of baseload power, but we are doing everything in our power to reverse those reckless decisions. The Trump administration will continue taking action to ensure that the 35 GW of untapped backup generation that exists across the country can be deployed as needed during Winter Storm Fern and in the future.”
President Trump declared a national energy emergency on his first day in office after concerns about grid vulnerability due to previous policies. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reported that winter electricity demand is rising quickly and noted risks from early closures of coal and natural gas plants. NERC’s 2025–2026 Winter Reliability Assessment warns that several areas across the continental United States face elevated blackout risks during severe weather.
Power outages result in annual costs of $44 billion for Americans, according to DOE’s National Laboratories. The emergency order is intended not only to help mitigate outages in Texas but also reflects current policy priorities focused on affordable and reliable electricity.
The order will remain effective from January 24 through January 27, 2026.
NERC’s recent assessment identified ERCOT as being at elevated risk this winter season. Above-normal peak demand or increased outages could require operating mitigations or trigger Energy Emergency Alerts.
