The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a new circular categorizing energy resources and technologies to ensure a reliable, adequate, and sufficient power supply across the country’s grid. The policy aims to balance the energy mix, strengthen system reliability, and support the energy transition by ensuring electricity can meet demand continuously, adjust to daily fluctuations, and respond quickly during peak periods.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin emphasized that “reliability is non-negotiable,” adding that the policy matches the right technologies to the right system needs to keep electricity secure and affordable while integrating more renewable energy and reducing reliance on imported fuels.
Thw DOE circular classifies electricity demand into three categories: baseload, for continuous minimum supply; mid-merit, for variable demand requiring flexible generation and storage; and peaking, for short-term high-demand periods needing rapid-response resources. Utilities are expected to consider these categories in planning and procurement, while developers are encouraged to align new projects with the optimal generation mix.
The measure is intended to improve planning consistency, reduce operational risks, and support a cleaner, more resilient, and self-sufficient energy future.
