The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced plans to use backup generation resources to help prevent blackouts as winter storm Fern approaches. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright sent a letter to grid operators urging them to stay in contact with the DOE and be ready to deploy unused backup power from data centers and other large facilities if needed.
DOE estimates that over 35 gigawatts of backup generation are available nationwide. The department believes these resources could help keep the electric grid stable, lower costs, and protect lives during the severe weather.
“The Trump administration will not stand by and allow the previous administration’s reckless energy subtraction policies and bureaucratic red tape put American lives at risk,” said Secretary Wright. “We have identified more than 35 GW of unused backup generation that exists across the country and are taking action to ensure that if the nation needs it, the generation will be made available. Rest assured, President Trump and the Energy Department remain committed to doing everything in our power to mitigate blackouts and lower energy costs for the American people.”
President Trump declared a national energy emergency on his first day in office, citing concerns about an electric grid weakened by earlier policy decisions. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has reported that winter electricity demand is rising quickly, while closures of coal and natural gas plants increase risks for families during extreme weather events. NERC’s 2025–2026 Winter Reliability Assessment warns that many parts of the continental United States face a higher risk of blackouts under harsh conditions.
According to data from DOE’s National Laboratories, power outages cost Americans $44 billion each year. The draft order from Secretary Wright aims to reduce such outages during winter months by allowing more flexible use of existing backup power sources.
The proposed order is based on section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act. It would apply to data centers as well as major industrial or commercial sites using auxiliary, standby, directly connected, or battery storage systems—even if they are not currently synchronized with the main grid. These resources would only be used after all demand response options are exhausted and just before a Reliability Coordinator declares an Energy Emergency Alert Level 3.
