Trump Administration Declares Power Emergency as Heat Dome Grips Eastern U.S., PJM Grid Activates Maximum Alert

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, on June 30, the agency declared an emergency order for PJM Interconnection (serving 13 states and approximately 67 million people) to operate power plants at maximum capacity through July 3. The directive temporarily permits generators to exceed certain environmental regulations and authorizes use of backup power resources as a last resort.

The National Weather Service forecasts a heat dome system stretching from Washington to Boston, with temperatures predicted to exceed 100°F (38°C). PJM had requested the emergency order citing potential record-breaking electricity demand amid the extreme heat event, with over 20 states already under heat alerts.