Winter Storm Fern has left a significant mark, causing utilities and grid operators to grapple with increased electricity demand as a deep freeze impacts several regions. On Monday, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) took action, issuing emergency orders to ensure essential power sources remain operational, even if it means exceeding typical emissions limits.
These directives came under section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, focusing on two Duke Energy subsidiaries along with other grid operators. This latest round of orders builds on similar emergency measures announced over the weekend.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized the administration’s commitment to maximizing power generation capabilities, saying, “The Trump administration is committed to unleashing all available power generation.”
Duke Energy Progress and Duke Energy Carolinas are bracing for temperatures this Tuesday that may dip 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit below January averages. This unusual cold could push customer demand to unprecedented levels, according to the utility’s petition to the DOE.
Covering regions in South Carolina and North Carolina, Duke noted that, while the majority of their generation units are operational, some face restrictions due to environmental permits, limiting their output during this critical time.
As part of the emergency order, DOE has allowed Duke’s generating facilities to operate at maximum capacity, bypassing their usual air quality or other permit constraints. This order is set to last until noon on Friday.
Moreover, similar permissions were granted to the PJM Interconnection, which also faces uncertainty through Saturday, and to the New York ISO, which has been authorized through Monday.
PJM has warned that peak demand could hit over 130,000 MW for an unprecedented seven days, a scenario described as a “winter streak” that has never been witnessed before. To address this situation, PJM is seeking the DOE’s approval to utilize customer-owned backup generation to prevent potential power outages during the harsh conditions. The organization is in dialogue with data center clients who have opted to switch to backup systems if an emergency arises.