The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order on 28 August directing regional grid operator PJM Interconnection to keep the Eddystone power units running through 26 November. Energy Secretary Wright said the step is necessary to ensure reliability of the Mid-Atlantic electricity grid during the late-summer and early-winter demand period. Under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, the department can compel generators to operate when grid stability is at risk. The order requires PJM to maintain the Eddystone units’ availability around the clock, overriding any economic or environmental dispatch constraints for the specified period.