U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright issues emergency order to stabilize the power grid during a period of intense heat.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright issued an emergency order over the weekend for 17 states to ensure the power grid can withstand high demand during a period of long-lasting heat. The order authorizes the Southwest Power Pool to utilize backup power sources to prevent an official energy emergency declaration. According to the administration announced update, more than 35 gigawatts of unused backup generation remains available nationwide. The order was prompted by the Southwest Power Pool flagging an emergency situation on July 19, where high peak usage coincided with low wind energy outputs. While the Southwest Power Pool issued a resource advisory for its eastern portion, including Nebraska, local providers like OPPD stated that current assets are meeting customer demands without requiring service interruptions. The order is set to expire late Monday, August 3, while a separate advisory for the eastern region remains in effect until July 30.