Trump declares emergency to restrict some foreign equipment in US power grid

United States President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency over what his administration describes as security risks linked to foreign-made equipment used in the country's electricity grid. He signed an executive order on Wednesday that restricts the purchase and installation of certain foreign-produced equipment in the bulk-power system. The order also covers related software and digital capabilities that officials say could create cybersecurity or operational risks.

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The directive says the threat is "unusual and extraordinary" and frames the issue as a national security concern. The Department of Energy has 120 days to publish formal rules to carry out the policy. In the meantime, utilities are expected to begin compiling inventories of equipment that may fall under the new restrictions.

The order does not ban all foreign-made equipment used in the US electricity system. It directs Energy Secretary Chris Wright to establish conditions for the continued use and operation of affected equipment. That means companies running grid assets will need to assess which systems are covered and how they can remain in service under the new rules.

The move is the latest step in a broader effort by the White House to address possible foreign security threats to critical infrastructure. It comes after US experts last year reported finding undisclosed communication devices in some Chinese solar power inverters. In July, the Federal Communications Commission banned new foreign-made power inverters designed with remote communication capabilities and operating within the electric utility grid.

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The policy is likely to have implications for utilities, equipment suppliers and grid operators that rely on international supply chains. The immediate challenge is not only stopping new purchases, but also identifying what is already installed across the system. Analysts say that visibility into vendor relationships and existing assets will be central to carrying out the order without affecting reliability.

What remains unclear is how broadly the rules will be written and which products or suppliers will be covered once the Department of Energy issues its guidance. It is also not yet clear how quickly utilities will be expected to complete inventories or what enforcement measures may follow. The next key milestone is the publication of the implementing rules within the 120-day deadline.

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