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US DOE Authorizes Continued Operation of Wagner Unit 4 in Maryland

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The US Department of Energy Wednesday issued an emergency order authorizing grid operator PJM Interconnection to continue running Unit 4 of Talen Energy's (TLN) Wagner Generating Station in Maryland beyond its operating limit to meet high electricity demand.

The order, effective from Aug. 20 through Nov. 17, extends the previous permit that took effect from May 22 through Aug. 19 to help maintain grid reliability during summer.

PJM expects that the unit will be necessary to maintain reliable grid operations during high demand periods.

"Energy shortfalls for 65 million Americans are simply unacceptable," US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said. "Previous orders in the mid-Atlantic region have helped keep the lights on and I am confident this order will help do so in the coming months as well."

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