As of October 9, 2026, the deadline for industry comments on Trump's executive order declaring a national emergency over foreign threats to the U.S. bulk power system had passed. The order authorizes the Department of Energy (DOE) to restrict the installation of foreign-produced grid equipment. [1] This includes transformers, inverters, battery storage systems, and associated software and maintenance services that could pose “undue risk” to national security through intentional sabotage or supply chain disruption. [2] DOE asked industry stakeholders to weigh in in September, and the responses showed broad support for the order's intent, with concerns about its implementation. They mentioned that security standards for software that enables remote access can be more important than the country of origin, since flaws in any system can be exploited by anyone, anywhere. Many also advocated for a phased approach to introducing more compliance rules to allow some vendors to “prequalify” as trustworthy. The US already faces shortages of transformers and substations, and further restrictions on imports could increase procurement costs, extend equipment lead times, and delay grid expansion. The DOE has until December 24, 2026, to publish the rules.
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