US declares power grid emergency across 13 states amid electricity shortage concerns

The US declared a power grid emergency across 13 states on October 12, 2026, with measures lasting until October 16.
Unusually warm weather and scheduled maintenance raised electricity demand to an expected 1,11,500 megawatts.
Grid operator PJM can order power plants to generate electricity and use backup supplies to prevent disruptions.
No blackouts are scheduled, but residents may be asked to reduce non-essential electricity use during peak hours.

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