Executive Order 14421 gives DOE power to block foreign grid components; industry questions practicality and cost

Executive Order 14421, issued August 26, gives Secretary of Energy Chris Wright authority to block installation of foreign-produced bulk-power system equipment, or any critical component, software, firmware, digital service, maintenance service or remote-access capability associated with it, that poses an undue risk to national security, and to order removal and replacement of installed equipment. DOE must publish implementing rules by December 24. Stakeholders responding to DOE's September request largely backed the order's intent but urged a phased approach and vendor prequalification, with most favoring functional controls over country of origin.