The Department of Energy issued an emergency order on June 24, 2025, allowing Duke Energy Carolinas to push selected generating units to maximum output as temperatures across North and South Carolina reached or exceeded 100°F.
The order, designated No. 202-25-5 under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, temporarily permitted the utility giant to exceed air pollution limits. It was set to remain active until 10:00 PM ET on June 25, 2025, a narrow window designed to prevent what officials characterized as potential grid failures during a dangerous heat event.
What the emergency order actually does
Duke Energy Carolinas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), was the sole utility named in the order.
Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act gives the DOE authority to order temporary measures when grid reliability is at immediate risk. This marked the latest in a series of DOE emergency measures during Trump’s presidency.
