The Texas power grid is receiving additional federal support as Winter Storm Fern brings extreme cold and dangerous conditions to the state.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued an emergency order authorizing the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to deploy specified power resources during the storm, even if those operations exceed limits normally imposed by environmental permits or state law.
The emergency order was issued under the Federal Power Act and is intended to mitigate the risk of blackouts amid extreme temperatures and heightened electricity demand.
This marks the second emergency order issued to ERCOT during the Winter Storm Fern, following an earlier order allowing the use of backup generation at data centers and other industrial sites.
The order covering Texas will remain in effect from January 25 through January 31, 2026, providing ERCOT with expanded flexibility as the storm impacts large portions of the state.
"As Winter Storm Fern brings extreme cold and dangerous conditions across the country, maintaining affordable, reliable, and secure power is non-negotiable," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.
He added that prior energy policies weakened the grid and left Americans more vulnerable during severe weather, stating, "Thanks to President Trump's leadership, we are reversing those failures and using every available tool to keep the lights on and Americans safe through this storm."
According to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), winter electricity demand is increasing at the fastest pace seen in recent years. At the same time, the forced closure of reliable generation sources such as coal and natural gas plants has increased the risk of outages during extreme weather events.
NERC's 2025-2026 Winter Reliability Assessment warns that many areas of the United States, including Texas, face an elevated blackout risk during severe conditions.
Federal officials say the emergency order will help ERCOT reduce outage risks and limit costs for Texans as Winter Storm Fern continues to impact the state.
