DOE Seeks Input on Bulk-Power System Security Order
The U.S. Department of Energy is seeking industry comment on how it should implement a recent executive order intended to secure the nation’s bulk-power system from foreign supply-chain and cybersecurity threats.
Following President Trump’s August 26 executive order declaring a national emergency to secure the U.S. bulk-power system, the Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a formal Request for Information (RFI) seeking stakeholder input on implementation. The order, which invokes the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, aims to counter cyber and supply-chain threats by regulating transactions involving grid equipment sourced from foreign adversaries. The forthcoming rules will heavily impact utilities, equipment manufacturers, and energy project developers, potentially altering procurement practices and increasing compliance costs for critical components like transformers, inverters, and battery storage systems. The RFI presents a crucial opportunity for affected parties to shape the scope of the new regime, including definitions of key terms, supply chain due diligence standards, and the treatment of existing equipment. Interested stakeholders should consider submitting comments to the DOE by the October 9, 2026, deadline to influence the final regulations.