The U.S. Department of Energy has extended an emergency order to help prevent power outages in New England as the region prepares for a second significant winter storm within one week. The extension, issued under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, allows ISO New England Inc. (ISO-NE) to operate certain energy resources beyond normal environmental and state law restrictions.
The original emergency order was granted on January 25, 2026. According to the Department of Energy, ISO-NE requested the extension because emergency conditions are expected to continue past the initial timeframe. The new order is effective until 11:59 PM ET on February 14, 2026.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright stated, “This winter storm demonstrates why the Trump Administration continues to reverse the dangerous energy subtraction agenda of the previous administration. Those policies weakened the grid and left Americans more vulnerable to blackouts and higher electricity prices. We are doing everything in our power to reverse those reckless decisions. The Trump Administration is committed to using every available tool, and unleashing all available power generation, to keep the lights on and Americans safe.”
President Trump declared a national energy emergency on his first day in office after concerns that previous federal policies had made the electrical grid more susceptible to outages. A recent report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) indicates that demand for electricity during winter is increasing at its fastest pace in years. The report also warns that shutting down reliable sources like coal and natural gas plants could leave households exposed during extreme weather events.
According to data from DOE’s National Laboratories, annual losses from power outages amount to $44 billion for U.S. consumers. The Department states that this latest order will not only support New England but also help reduce blackout risks in regions such as the Mid-Atlantic and Carolinas by allowing greater flexibility in power generation.
These actions follow President Trump’s executive order declaring a national energy emergency with measures designed to ensure stable electricity supply across affected areas.
