News briefing · Published
DOE emergency orders keep some coal units available into winter
What is a DOE emergency order for coal plants?
A DOE emergency order directs a power plant to stay available. In 2026, DOE ordered Stanton Unit 1 kept available through November 30 and Centralia Unit 2 through December 11. Households should not rely on the grid alone during heat or cold, so keep a cooling and warming plan ready.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued emergency orders that keep certain coal units available, according to DOE's own published order.
What happened
DOE ordered Orlando Utilities Commission to keep Stanton Unit 1 available from September 2 through November 30, 2026. It directed TransAlta to keep Centralia Unit 2 available from September 13 through December 11, 2026. Earlier, during a late-July heat wave, DOE issued an emergency order that let Southwest Power Pool dispatch backup generation across 17 states from July 26 to August 3, 2026, Traders Union reports.
What it means for your home
These orders are federal steps to keep specific power plants available. Michigan's attorney general has challenged DOE's orders for the Campbell plant in court, and a D.C. Circuit ruling could shape how DOE uses this authority. For a household, the lesson is to be ready for strain in both heat and cold.
What to do this week
- Make a cooling plan: a battery fan, a cooler and extra drinking water for hot days.
- Keep a power station or power bank charged for fans, lights and phones.
- Set aside blankets and choose a warm room for cold nights.
- Make sure everyone knows where the flashlights are kept.
- Keep a printed list of medicines and emergency phone numbers.
To see why the grid is under pressure, read why the power grid is under strain.
Sources
This briefing is general information, not medical, legal or electrical advice. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.