13 states and D.C. are under a federal power grid emergency. The Department of Energy is letting plants run past their pollution limits to keep the lights on. Here’s what it means for you

The Department of Energy has issued an emergency order for PJM Interconnection, the largest grid operator in the US, as unusually hot weather strains electricity supply from the Mid-Atlantic to the Midwest. The order lets power plants run past their normal pollution limits and gives PJM extra tools to keep the lights on.
The order at a glance

The order, DOE Order No. 202-26-50, was issued on October 12 under section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act. It took effect October 13 and runs through October 16. It covers