US Approves Texas Power Emergency as Blackout Threat Looms

  • Energy Department declaration comes amid record power demand
  • Grid operator says needed ‘to preserve reliability’ of grid
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The Biden administration declared a power emergency in Texas amid soaring electricity demand sparked by a brutal heat wave.

The order issued by the Energy Department on Thursday allows the state’s grid operator to waive some air- pollution limits so generators can produce more power. It is in effect until 9 pm local time Friday.