The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued an emergency order to address power grid challenges in North and South Carolina following Winter Storm Fern. The order, made under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, permits Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC and Duke Energy Progress to operate certain resources within the Duke Region beyond environmental permit or state law restrictions. This measure aims to help Duke Energy manage increased demand and storm-related damage while lowering costs for residents affected by the winter storm.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright stated, "Winter Storm Fern continues to bring extreme cold and dangerous conditions across the country. Maintaining affordable, reliable, and secure power in the Duke region is non-negotiable. The previous administration’s energy subtraction policies weakened the grid, leaving Americans more vulnerable during events like Winter Storm Fern. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are reversing those failures and using every available tool to keep the lights on and Americans safe following this storm."
President Trump declared a national energy emergency at the start of his term, citing concerns that prior policies had left the nation’s power grid more susceptible to outages. According to recent analysis from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), winter electricity demand is increasing rapidly in recent years. NERC's 2025–2026 Winter Reliability Assessment indicates that several regions in the continental United States face a higher risk of blackouts during severe weather due to early closures of coal and natural gas plants.
Data from DOE’s National Laboratories show that power outages result in $44 billion in annual costs for Americans. The emergency order seeks to reduce such losses by stabilizing electricity supply in the Carolinas.
The order will remain effective from January 27 through January 30, 2026.
Orders like this follow President Trump’s Executive Order declaring a National Energy Emergency and are intended to ensure enough generation capacity is available during periods of high demand.
