Overview
- The Department of Energy issued the order on Oct. 12 that takes effect Oct. 13–16 and authorizes PJM Interconnection to run designated power plants and deploy backup resources as needed to protect grid reliability.
- PJM placed Maximum Generation and Load Management alerts for Oct. 13 but said customers do not need to take action now while operators monitor tight conditions caused by warm weather, planned maintenance outages and transmission limits.
- The DOE noted roughly 35 gigawatts of unused backup generation exists nationwide and the order specifically allows unlocking backup generation at data centers and other large users if system conditions require it.
- FERC separately approved a PJM data‑centre registry but rejected PJM’s request to permit temporary forced disconnection of data centers, highlighting regulatory limits on directly shedding large customers.
- Coverage has focused on short‑term risk and longer policy questions — reporters spotlight the immediate operational steps and the stress from growing data‑centre demand, while analysts say the episode underscores the need for more transmission, generation and clearer rules on large users.