US DOE Issues Emergency Orders to Cut Blackout Risk in Carolinas During Heatwave

The US Department of Energy on Thursday issued an emergency order to reduce the risk of blackouts in the Carolinas as the states grapple with hot weather conditions. The directive, issued under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, permits Duke Energy (DUK) subsidiaries Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress to operate certain units at their maximum generation output levels even if they exceed air quality or other permit limits under federal, state or local laws and regulations, according to a statement from the department. The order, issued following a request by Duke Energy, is expected to lower the blackout risks arising out of unusually high load demand forecasts and hot weather conditions across the region, the statement said. The order is effective from Thursday and will expire at 10:00 p.m. ET on Monday.