President Donald Trump has declared a Bulk-Power System Emergency, invoking national-emergency authorities to address what the White House described as foreign threats linked to equipment used on the U.S. electric grid.
According to a White House fact sheet, the order generally prohibits or places conditions on the purchase and installation of certain foreign-produced bulk-power system electric equipment, including related critical software and digital capabilities, where transactions pose specified cybersecurity or operational risks.
Bulk-Power System Emergency Targets Foreign Equipment Risks
The order applies to transactions involving foreign nationals that present an undue risk of sabotage, unauthorized access, or disruption; catastrophic effects on critical-infrastructure security or resilience; or an unacceptable risk to U.S. security, the fact sheet said. Facilities used for local electricity distribution are excluded.
The Energy Secretary, in consultation with other Cabinet members, may impose conditions on the continued use and operation of covered equipment. The White House said those decisions should take account of grid reliability, safety, replacement availability, and continuity of service.
The order also directs the Energy Department to issue implementing rules as needed and to identify equipment that may present the cited risks. The department is to prepare recommendations for the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs on how to address those risks.
The White House said the Bulk-Power System Emergency responds to supply-chain vulnerabilities arising from reliance on foreign sources of grid equipment. It said the bulk-power system supports national defense, emergency services, critical infrastructure, and the broader economy.
