DOE emergency order keeps Guam power grid stable

DOE issues emergency order to keep Guam's power grid stable

Energy Secretary Chris Wright's order lets Guam Power Authority run specified generation units from August 6 through November 4, 2026.

By Global Energy Report staff·5 Aug 2026, 08:00·1 min read

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The US Department of Energy issued an emergency order on August 5, 2026, letting the Guam Power Authority run specified generation units to meet expected electricity demand and keep the island's grid stable. The order follows a request from GPA.

Why GPA asked for help

GPA said it has limited generation options to meet demand, citing constraints that include the Ukudu steam turbine going offline for emergency repairs. The emergency order gives the utility authority to operate the specified generation units to close that gap.

Timeline

The order takes effect at 10:00 a.m. Guam Standard Time on August 6, 2026, and runs through 11:59 p.m. Guam Standard Time on November 4, 2026.

Wright's statement

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the Trump administration and the Department of Energy remain committed to "using every available tool to reduce the risk of power outages" and lower energy costs for households and businesses. He said the order addresses "the urgent need to strengthen grid reliability" and keep electricity in Guam affordable and reliable.

Why it matters

The order removes GPA's normal limits on which generation units it can run while the Ukudu turbine is out of service, cutting the risk of blackouts through the order's window. The fixed August 6 to November 4, 2026 period marks when Guam's available generation capacity is most constrained.

What's next. Watch for whether GPA restores the Ukudu turbine before the order expires at 11:59 p.m. Guam Standard Time on November 4, 2026.

Sources

PrimaryUS DOE · energy.gov

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DOE issues emergency order to keep Guam's power grid stable

Why GPA asked for help

Timeline

Wright's statement

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