President Trump declared a national emergency yesterday over foreign involvement in equipment used on the U.S. bulk-power system, the high-voltage transmission and generation infrastructure that keeps the country's electricity grid running. The order invokes the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the National Emergencies Act, giving the Department of Energy new authority to block, unwind, or impose conditions on transactions involving grid equipment tied to certain foreign entities.
What it does
Once DOE identifies a covered entity, the order bars new acquisitions, imports, or installations of equipment posing an "undue risk" of sabotage, unauthorized remote access, or supply disruption, covering transformers, generators, circuit breakers, battery storage, grid-connected inverters, industrial control systems, and related software. It also reaches equipment already in service: DOE can require isolation, monitoring, or replacement, though it must weigh reliability and phase in compliance. A forthcoming pre-qualified vendor list will offer a faster path for vetted equipment.
Key deadlines
- 120 days (~late Dec. 2026): DOE publishes implementing rules.
- 180 days (~late Feb. 2027): DOE recommends federal procurement rule changes favoring U.S.-made equipment.
- +90 days: FAR Council considers those changes for public comment.
- No deadline is set for DOE's initial list of high-risk equipment/vendors.
What to watch
Utilities with foreign-made grid equipment should expect DOE outreach ahead of any mandatory action. Manufacturers will compete for the pre-qualified vendor list. Federal energy contractors should track the FAR Council timeline. The real scope hinges on DOE's forthcoming "Covered Foreign Entity" rulemaking. Comment periods there will be the key input venue.
Household preparedness
Separate from the policy details, this is also a reasonable prompt for a basic blackout-readiness check:
- Keep at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle at all times.
- Stock 7-10 days of bottled water and non-perishable food per household.
- Have a solar power bank or other backup power source for extended outages.
- Keep a flashlight, batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio on hand.
- Keep a paper copy of important phone numbers in case networks or chargers are down.