In an effort to prevent electricity shortages during the upcoming summer months, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under President Donald Trump has invoked federal authority to keep the Eddystone power plant in Pennsylvania operational. The facility, located just south of Philadelphia along the Delaware River, was scheduled to shut down units 3 and 4 this past weekend. However, citing concerns over potential power grid instability, the DOE ordered Constellation Energy to continue operating the two units through at least August 28.
This move marks the second time under the Trump administration that federal power has been used to prevent the closure of a mainland U.S. power plant. The Eddystone units, which produce a combined 760 megawatts, serve the PJM Interconnection, a 13-state regional grid operator responsible for the mid-Atlantic electricity supply. PJM has raised alarms over grid reliability as older plants shut down while demand for electricity surges.
Rising Demand from AI, Industry Drives Energy Concerns
The DOE cited several factors behind the decision, including a sharp rise in electricity demand driven by the growth of artificial intelligence, crypto mining, and the reindustrialization efforts fueled by bipartisan policies to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. PJM acknowledged the order as a “prudent, term-limited step” and indicated that it will use the additional time to work with Constellation and the U.S. Department of Energy to assess the long-term need for the Eddystone facility.
Constellation, which had previously received approval to close the units, stated it was “pleased” to cooperate with the U.S. Department of Energy and PJM. The company emphasized the urgency of ensuring energy availability “at this critical time when America must win the AI race.” In addition, Constellation is working to accelerate the restart of Unit 1 at Three Mile Island, now aiming for a 2027 relaunch instead of 2028. The revived reactor will supply carbon-free energy to Microsoft’s expanding data center operations.
Environmental Pushback and Industry Controversy
While the move has been framed as necessary for grid stability, environmental groups have strongly criticized the decision. The Delaware Riverkeeper Network labeled the continued operation of Eddystone an “environmental injustice,” arguing that keeping the decades-old facility online will worsen pollution and hinder the region’s ability to meet federal clean air standards.
Clean energy advocates blame PJM for the current energy shortfall, pointing to delays in approving renewable energy projects. Federal data shows that over 97% of proposals in PJM’s queue are related to solar, wind, or battery storage, with less than 3% involving natural gas. Despite this, PJM received federal approval earlier this year to fast-track construction of new plants, a decision critics say disproportionately benefits fossil fuel development.
This latest directive follows a similar action by the U.S. Department of Energy last week, which ordered a coal-fired plant in Michigan to stay open despite pushback from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, which claimed no energy emergency existed in that region. The controversy reflects a broader national debate over how to balance energy reliability with environmental sustainability in a rapidly changing power landscape.
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