On September 10, 2021, the Department of Energy issued a 202(c) emergency order pursuant to the Federal Power Act to the California Independent System Operator Corporation (CAISO) authorizing specific electric generating units located within its service territory to operate at their maximum generation output levels in order to preserve the reliability of the bulk electric power system due to ongoing wildfires, extreme heat, and droughts causing a diminished ability to generate hydropower resulting in higher than usual electricity demand. The order is in effect until November 9, 2021.
CAISO’s application and DOE’s order are below.