Trump declares emergency, moves to block some foreign-made equipment from grid

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump signed an executive order to block utilities from connecting certain foreign-made bulk power system equipment, including transformers, batteries, inverters, and related software, citing national security risks.
• The order allows the Secretary of Energy to impose conditions on the continued use or replacement of already-installed foreign equipment and mandates the development of implementation rules within 120 days.
• The White House highlighted the growing national security threat from foreign-produced bulk-power systems amid increased reliance on reliable electricity for advanced manufacturing, AI, and defense.
• Industry groups like the Edison Electric Institute and the National Electric Manufacturers Association expressed a willingness to cooperate but seek clarification on the order’s scope, especially regarding software and the definition of covered foreign entities.
• The order expands on a 2020 executive order targeting Chinese large power transformers, but manufacturers warn it may cause market confusion and emphasize the need for ongoing dialogue with the administration.