On August 31, 2026, Executive Order 14421, "Declaring a National Emergency to Secure the United States Bulk-Power System," was published in the Federal Register. The Order establishes a national emergency concerning risks associated with certain foreign-produced bulk-power system electric equipment and directs the Secretary of Energy to establish and maintain a program to address covered transactions.

The framework can support restrictions on acquisition, importation, transfer or installation of specified equipment when the Department of Energy determines that a transaction presents identified national-security, cybersecurity, grid-reliability or supply-chain risks.

The scope expressly reaches equipment and associated capabilities used in the bulk-power system, including battery energy storage systems, grid-connected inverters, transformers, generators, protection and measurement equipment, industrial control systems, software and firmware, maintenance and remote-access capabilities. The Order directs development of implementing rules or regulations as necessary.

Impact

Impact assessment: High. Key reasons: the Order establishes a national-security framework that can restrict acquisition, importation, transfer or installation of covered foreign-produced bulk-power equipment and directs DOE implementation.

Who is affected?

Utilities, grid operators, equipment manufacturers, importers, suppliers and critical-infrastructure operators.

Conclusion:

origin, remote-access and cybersecurity risks should be assessed immediately.