The U.S. Department of Energy issued seven emergency orders to mitigate the risk of blackouts in Florida as exceptionally low temperatures hit the state and were expected to persist through early this week.
Pursuant to Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, the orders were issued to Homestead Public Services Energy (HPS/Energy), Duke Energy Florida, LLC (Duke), Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC), Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA), and the city of Lakeland, Florida on behalf of Lakeland Electric.
If these utilities determine that additional generation is necessary to meet electricity demand, the orders authorize them to dispatch units only as needed to maintain reliability.
Three of the orders specifically authorize certain generating units and backup generating units within the service areas of FPMA, Lakeland Electric and OUC to operate up to their maximum generation output levels, notwithstanding air emissions or other permit limitations.
These actions follow a letter Secretary Wright sent on January 22 to grid operators asking them to be prepared to use backup generation if needed to mitigate the risk of blackouts from extreme weather. DOE estimates more than 35 GW of unused backup generation remains available nationwide.
These orders went into effect immediately and will continue through the beginning of February 2026.
OUC Maintains Reliability Through Record Winter Peak Demand
Following Winter Storm Fern, an arctic blast brought record-breaking cold to the south, driving significant energy demand across Florida, OUC noted.
OUC’s energy grid saw record usage in St. Cloud, setting a new winter peak the morning of Feb. 2 at 271 megawatts (MW), surpassing the one set just a day earlier. Orlando reached 1,182 MW, coming close to its 2010 winter peak of 1,191 MW.
“We are deeply grateful to our customers and community for stepping up during this period of high electricity demand,” said Linda Ferrone, OUC Chief Customer & Marketing Officer. “By working together to reduce energy use, residents and businesses played a vital role in supporting reliable service for the entire community.”
OUC crews and system operators monitored conditions around the clock, ensuring adequate power supply and system stability as temperatures fell and demand for electricity rose. Advance preparations and real-time coordination with regional grid partners helped maintain service with minimal interruptions.
OUC encouraged customers to stay prepared for future weather events and save all year long by following energy saving tips at OUC.com.
Tallahassee Utility Nears All-Time Record Peak Load
The public power community of Tallahassee, Florida, reported that its electric utility neared its all-time record peak load of 633 megawatts this morning, Feb. 1, at 9 a.m., hitting 617.46 MW.
That day’s peak load is among the City’s top 5 peak loads of all time. Similarly to current conditions, the prior record peak load was set on January 11, 2010, during a sustained period of frigid winter weather.
“With extremely cold temperatures forecast to continue through the day into Monday morning, the Electric Utility is expected to surpass the 2010 peak load record.”
The City’s power plants use state-of-the-art generating units that employ the most efficient technology in the industry and are designed to meet high loads, like the current peak demands, the city noted.
This January was one of the coldest in decades in Tallahassee, with multiple rounds of freezing weather. Roughly one-third of January nights saw temperatures fall below 32°F in the area, according to the National Weather Service. Prolonged cold increases the amount of energy used to heat homes, which will result in higher-than-normal utility bills.
To help ease the financial burden increased utility usage may bring to some customers, the City of Tallahassee launched the Weather Relief Assistance Program (WRAP). Through the program, eligible residential electric, water or natural gas customers may spread the balance of either their January or February bill evenly over the next four utility bills.
APPA President and CEO Scott Corwin Discusses Grid Conditions
During an appearance on Fox News Media's "Fox & Friends" morning show on Feb. 2, APPA President & CEO Scott Corwin urged lower energy usage during morning and evening hours in Florida and other southern states affected by freezing temperatures to help provide reliable electric service and keep the grid stable.
He also emphasized how ice places significant strain on electric lines and necessitates restoration efforts.
