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US Energy Department Orders Emergency Steps to Protect Carolinas Grid

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The US Department of Energy issued an emergency order on Wednesday to stabilize the electrical grid in North Carolina and South Carolina and avert potential blackouts during the Labor Day weekend heat wave.

The directive, which took effect on Sept. 3 and remains in place through Sept. 8, authorizes Duke Energy (DUK) Carolinas to dispatch specified generating units and direct their operation when necessary to maintain grid reliability.

The department said that Duke, working with transmission owners, may also direct backup generation resources to operate as a last resort before or during the highest level of grid emergency, known as an Energy Emergency Alert 3.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright blamed previous federal policies for weakening domestic grid infrastructure, stating that the administration's actions are intended to secure reliable power for families and businesses throughout the holiday weekend.

Price: $121.15, Change: $-0.26, Percent Change: -0.21%

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