Energy Department orders PJM to dispatch units, allows last-resort backup generation

WASHINGTON, Oct 12 — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on Oct 12 issued an emergency order directing PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM) to dispatch specified units, and authorizing it to direct backup generation resources to operate as a last resort in the mid-Atlantic.¹

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright issued the order to mitigate blackout risks ahead of a period of elevated demand, a high rate of planned generator outages during the autumn maintenance season and numerous planned transmission outages, according to a DOE press release.²

DOE Order No. 202-26-50 was issued under section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act.¹ It directs PJM to dispatch specified units and to order their operation as needed to maintain reliability, according to the order.¹

The order authorizes PJM to direct backup generation resources to operate as a last resort before declaring an Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) three or during an EEA 3.¹ PJM is also authorized to call upon its Transmission Owners and Electric Distribution Companies to implement the order as needed.^1,2

"This order will help ensure millions of American families and businesses across the mid-Atlantic have access to affordable, reliable, and secure electricity by making additional power generation, including backup power, available to use as needed," Wright said.²

DOE estimates that more than 35 GW of unused backup generation remains available nationwide, the release said.²

DOE issued the order in response to an application PJM submitted on Oct 11.^1,2 The order is effective from Oct 13 through Oct 16.^1,2