DOE Issues Emergency Order 202-26-25A Authorizing Maryland Wagner Plant Operation

WASHINGTON, DC — The United States Department of Energy (DOE) issued emergency Order No. 202-26-25A under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, granting PJM Interconnection the emergency authority to dispatch Unit 4 at the Herbert A. Wagner Generating Station in Baltimore Harbor through November 17, 2026.

Safeguarding Electricity Delivery to Greater Baltimore

The federal order resolves localized transmission congestion resulting from high summer electrical demand and regional transmission line maintenance in Central Maryland. The 415-megawatt oil-fired generating unit will operate on an as-needed basis to prevent voltage collapse and ensure uninterrupted electricity delivery to 1.5 million residential and commercial customers across Baltimore City and Anne Arundel County.

Energy Department officials emphasized that the order ensures emergency electricity is available during high-demand periods while Maryland advances long-term offshore wind and substation modernization projects.

Baltimore City Leadership and Clean Air Stances

Baltimore regional business chambers welcomed the emergency reliability bridge to protect commercial port and logistics operations from power disruptions.

Chesapeake Bay environmental coalitions highlighted the importance of completing the Brandon Shores transmission line upgrades to retire legacy fossil generation.

Order Duration

Emergency Order No. 202-26-25A remains in effect through November 17, 2026.