DOE Issues Emergency Orders to Stabilize Power Grids in Puerto Rico and Midwest Ahead of Summer Demand
As peak summer demand looms and hurricane season approaches, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is taking decisive action to shore up America’s power grids. In a series of emergency orders issued under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright is deploying federal authority to address urgent grid reliability and security issues in both Puerto Rico and the Midwest. See the full order here.
Puerto Rico, already suffering from years of grid instability and widespread outages, will receive targeted support through two emergency directives. The first empowers the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) to dispatch all necessary generation units to boost baseload energy and protect grid reliability. The second focuses on vegetation management—clearing overgrown brush and trees that pose serious fire and outage risks. These actions come alongside a review of $365 million in funding from the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund (PR-ERF), with DOE’s Grid Deployment Office ensuring funds are used for practical, high-impact improvements.
“Energy is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline,” Secretary Wright said. “President Trump is committed to delivering energy security and stability to all Americans, including our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico.”
Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón welcomed the measures, highlighting the importance of a reliable power grid for the island’s economic recovery and public health. “When Puerto Rico thrives, America thrives,” she said.
In the Midwest, DOE is taking steps to prevent power shortages by keeping Michigan’s 1,560 MW J.H. Campbell coal-fired plant online past its scheduled May 31 closure. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) will coordinate with Consumers Energy to maintain reserve margins, following warnings from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) about potential summer shortfalls due to thermal plant retirements and diminishing solar output.
“These orders are about energy resilience and protecting American families from preventable blackouts,” said Wright. “We’re ensuring access to reliable power—whether or not the wind blows or the sun shines.”
Together, these emergency actions underscore DOE’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s grid infrastructure and safeguarding communities from energy disruptions during a critical time of year.