Closing the Gap in the Federal Power Act Paulina Jaramillo, Ph.D.

The Federal Power Act was written for a grid that no longer exists. In my latest Amped Up newsletter, I describe a framework for amending it to establish federal resource adequacy standards for the first time
#ElectricityGrid #ResourceAdequacy #FederalPowerAct
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State regulators should amend/revise existing rules & Congress should amend the #FederalPowerAct to place thermal & traditional batteries on equal footing re #purchaseofelectricalenergy

Energy Department Takes Emergency Action to Address Potential Electricity Demand Surges as Winter Approaches The U.S. Energy Department has invoked an emergency order under the Federal Power Act, allowing energy companies to collaborate and prepare for potential electricity demand surges as winter approaches. This action comes after a previous energy emergency declaration by the Trump administration in January, and aims to safeguard approximately 65 million residents across 13 states and the District of Columbia from potential blackouts during the colder months, while reaffirming the administration's commitment to affordable, secure, and reliable electricity until December 31, 2025.

Energy Department Takes Emergency Action to Address Potential Electricity Demand Surges as Winter Approaches #PJM #EnergyEmergency #WinterPower #ElectricityDemand #FederalPowerAct #StormPreparedness

US Secretary of Energy Issues Emergency Order to Ensure Consistent and Cost-Effective Energy for Millions Ahead of Winter The U.S. government has issued an emergency directive to ensure consistent and cost-effective energy for approximately 65 million Americans across 13 states and Washington D.C. this winter, amid concerns of blackouts due to severe weather events. Authorized under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, the directive allows for the continued operation of specific units at the Wagner Generating Station, in collaboration with PJM Interconnection and Talen Energy Corporation, through December 31, 2025. This action comes after previous policies were deemed risky to energy stability, highlighting the ongoing nature of the energy emergency initiated by the Trump administration.

US Secretary of Energy Issues Emergency Order to Ensure Consistent and Cost-Effective Energy for Millions Ahead of Winter #PJM #EnergyEmergency #WinterPower #FederalPowerAct #PJMInterconnection #ReliableEnergy

DOE Takes Action to Safeguard Electricity Supply for Millions Across 13 States The U.S. Department of Energy has taken decisive action to ensure the electricity supply for 65 million Americans across 13 states and the District of Columbia, signing an emergency order to extend the operation of the H.A. Wagner Generating Station Unit 4 in Maryland through the end of 2025. This move addresses concerns raised by the PJM Interconnection about potential power disruptions this winter, resulting from a shortage of power resources caused by the rapid retirement of traditional power plants without sufficient replacement.

DOE Takes Action to Safeguard Electricity Supply for Millions Across 13 States #PJM #EnergySecurity #PJMInterconnection #FederalPowerAct #ElectricitySupply #WinterStormPrep

US Department of Energy Steps In as Heat Wave Bites, Igniting Debate Over Power Plant Resilience The US Department of Energy has issued an emergency order allowing Talen Energy to exceed standard operational limits at its Wagner oil-fired power unit in Baltimore, Maryland, as part of efforts to bolster the power supply during a heat wave that poses a risk of outages. This move reflects a growing trend by the DOE to employ emergency powers to keep power plants running, but it has also sparked controversy and raised questions about the nation's power infrastructure resilience, environmental implications, and potential conflict with state-level energy policies.

US Department of Energy Steps In as Heat Wave Bites, Igniting Debate Over Power Plant Resilience #PJM #EnergyPolicy #PowerPlantResilience #GridStability #FederalPowerAct #RegulatoryChallenges

US Secretary of Energy Takes Emergency Action to Ensure Grid Reliability Ahead of Summer The U.S. Secretary of Energy has recently taken action, utilizing emergency powers granted by the Federal Power Act, to ensure the continued operation of specific power plants. These interventions are a direct response to growing worries about grid reliability and the potential for widespread power outages, particularly as the summer months approach. Two emergency orders have been issued, one targeting the PJM Interconnection region and the other focused on the MISO region, both mandating that particular plants remain online. These orders are temporary, scheduled to expire in August 2025, though further actions from the Secretary are anticipated. The legal foundation for these actions lies within Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act. This section provides the Secretary with the authority to issue emergency orders designed to safeguard the consistent supply of electricity. Key subsections, (c)(1) and (c)(4)(A), specifically grant this power and limit the duration of such orders. In the PJM Interconnection region, which encompasses states like Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey, the Eddystone Generating Station is the plant directly affected by the order. Concerns revolve around the retirement of existing energy resources and the pace of replacements, impacting the overall composition of PJM's energy infrastructure. The Department of Energy (DOE) will integrate an evaluation of the Eddystone plant within its methodology for assessing reserve margins. The MISO order addresses a different but equally pressing concern within the Michigan region. A coal-fired power plant, referred to simply as "The Plant," is the subject of this intervention. The primary issue stems from shrinking operating reserve margins, exacerbated by the decommissioning of both coal-fired and nuclear power facilities. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has formally expressed apprehensions regarding potential operating reserve deficiencies within the MISO system. The emergency orders impose standardized requirements for both MISO and the affected plant owners. These include ensuring the plants are "available to operate," with a strong emphasis on minimizing any negative environmental consequences and limiting costs for consumers. Daily reporting is mandatory, and necessary adjustments to existing tariffs must be submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Furthermore, utilities will be permitted to recover the expenses incurred in complying with these orders through rate adjustments. Looking forward, the DOE is obligated to release its methodology for identifying reserve margins by July 2025. The possibility of additional emergency orders remains a distinct possibility as the Secretary continues to monitor grid stability and address emerging challenges.

US Secretary of Energy Takes Emergency Action to Ensure Grid Reliability Ahead of Summer #PJM #EnergyReliability #GridStability #PowerPlants #EmergencyOrders #FederalPowerAct