Emergency order issued to maintain grid reliability in Mid-Atlantic ahead of winter
The U.S. Department of Energy has taken steps to ensure the reliability of the electric grid in the Mid-Atlantic region during the upcoming winter months. On November 25, 2025, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright announced an emergency order that directs PJM Interconnection, in partnership with Constellation Energy, to keep Units 3 and 4 at the Eddystone Generating Station in Pennsylvania available for operation.
According to Secretary Wright, “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Energy is using all tools available to keep the lights on and heat running for the American people. This emergency order is needed to strengthen grid reliability and will help provide affordable, reliable, and secure power when Americans need it most.”
The decision comes as concerns grow over potential energy shortfalls in the region. The Department’s Resource Adequacy Report warns that power outages could become significantly more frequent by 2030 if reliable sources are retired without adequate replacements.
Earlier this year, Secretary Wright ordered that these two Eddystone units remain operational beyond their planned retirement date through a May 30, 2025 emergency directive. During summer heat waves in June and July, PJM relied on these units for additional electricity supply. A follow-up order was issued on August 28, 2025.
PJM’s service area experienced record winter demand in January 2025, surpassing levels seen since 2015. The new emergency order will take effect from November 26, 2025 through February 24, 2026.
PJM has raised concerns about resource adequacy for several years. In its February 2023 report, PJM noted risks related to mismatches between retiring resources and new generation coming online. In December 2024 filings with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), PJM reported “substantial increases” in load additions and said its concerns were “increasing at an extraordinary pace.” During a March 2025 hearing before Congress, PJM President & CEO Manu Asthana testified about growing challenges impacting large parts of the country.
