The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued seven emergency orders to several Florida utilities in response to a period of exceptionally cold weather expected to last into early next week. The action, announced on February 1, 2026, is intended to prevent blackouts and maintain power reliability as demand for electricity increases due to the cold snap.
The orders were directed at Homestead Public Services Energy, Duke Energy Florida, LLC, Orlando Utilities Commission, Florida Municipal Power Agency, and the city of Lakeland for its utility Lakeland Electric. These measures allow the utilities to operate certain generating units up to their maximum output if needed, even if doing so exceeds air emissions or other permit limits.
Three of the orders specifically permit designated generating units and backup units in the service areas of FPMA, Lakeland Electric, and OUC to exceed standard operating restrictions if necessary. The DOE emphasized that these actions follow a letter sent by Secretary Wright on January 22 urging grid operators to be prepared to use backup generation as required. According to DOE estimates, there are more than 35 gigawatts of unused backup generation capacity available across the country.
“As extreme, prolonged cold hits Florida, maintaining affordable, reliable, and secure power in the region is non-negotiable,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “The previous administration’s energy subtraction policies weakened the grid, leaving Americans more vulnerable to blackouts and higher electricity prices. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are reversing those failures and using every available tool to keep the lights on and Florida homes heated through this cold snap.”
The press release states that President Trump declared a national energy emergency at the start of his term due to concerns about grid vulnerability following earlier policy changes. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has reported that winter electricity demand is increasing rapidly while closures of coal and natural gas plants have made some regions more susceptible to outages during extreme weather events.
Data from DOE’s National Laboratories indicate that power outages cost Americans $44 billion annually. The department noted that these new emergency orders are designed not only for Florida but may also help reduce outage risks in regions like the Mid-Atlantic and Carolinas by ensuring access to reliable power supply.
These emergency measures will remain effective through early February 2026. Details about specific order dates can be found on DOE’s list of 2026 Section 202(c) Orders.
“These orders are in accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order: Declaring a National Energy Emergency and will ensure the availability of generation and minimize the risk of blackouts.”
