Montana Included in Federal Power Emergency Order

It's not just the heat that's been keeping Montanans indoors this summer. Between the triple-digit temperatures and smoky skies from wildfire season, many of us have been spending a lot more time inside with the air conditioning running.

Power Demand and Grid Pressure in Montana

That extra demand puts additional pressure on Montana's power grid, and now the federal government is taking steps to make sure the lights stay on.

The U.S. Department of Energy has issued an emergency order covering 17 states, including Montana, to help maintain reliable electricity during the ongoing heat wave.

Backup Power Generation: Keeping the Lights On

According to the Department of Energy, the emergency order took effect on July 26 and will remain in place through August 3, 2026. The action allows additional backup power generation to be used to help meet increased electricity demand during extreme heat.

In a statement, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said the Trump administration is tapping into an abundant supply of unused backup generation to maintain affordable, reliable, and secure power for American families and businesses.

The High Cost of Power Outages

The Department of Energy estimates that more than 35 gigawatts of unused backup generation is available nationwide. The agency also says power outages cost Americans an estimated $44 billion each year, according to data from the DOE's national laboratories.

Montana is among the states included in the emergency order as high temperatures continue to increase electricity demand across much of the country.

Cooler Weather on the Horizon

There is some good news in the forecast.

After days of extreme heat, cooler air is expected to move into Montana toward the end of the weekend. Temperatures should drop to more comfortable levels, which will likely reduce demand on the state's electrical grid.

After dealing with scorching temperatures and smoky conditions, many Montanans will probably welcome both the cooler weather and the chance to give the air conditioners a little break.