DOE Extends Emergency Order for Pennsylvania Power Plant

The U.S. Department of Energy extended an emergency order keeping key units at Pennsylvania’s Eddystone Generating Station online to support PJM grid reliability.

(P&GJ) — The U.S. Department of Energy has extended an emergency order requiring two units at the Eddystone Generating Station in Pennsylvania to remain available for operation as officials warn of growing grid reliability risks in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The order directs PJM Interconnection, working with Constellation Energy, to keep Units 3 and 4 online through Aug. 22, 2026. The units had previously been scheduled for retirement.

DOE said the action is intended to reduce blackout risks and maintain reliable electricity supply during periods of high demand.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said dispatchable energy sources such as natural gas and oil-fired generation remain critical during peak demand and severe weather events. He pointed to the Eddystone facility’s operation during Winter Storm Fern as evidence of the plant’s reliability value to the regional grid.

PJM has previously raised concerns about tightening reserve margins driven by power plant retirements and increasing electricity demand. According to DOE, the emergency order is part of broader efforts to address long-term grid reliability challenges identified in the department’s Resource Adequacy Report.

DOE first issued an emergency order to keep the Eddystone units operating in May 2025, with additional extensions granted throughout 2025 and 2026.