The United States has taken a major step to strengthen the security of its electricity infrastructure, with President Donald Trump declaring a national emergency over risks that the administration says may arise from certain foreign-produced equipment used in the country’s high-voltage power system.

The executive order signed on August 26 focuses on the bulk-power system, the part of the electricity network responsible for transmitting power over long distances and supporting major generating facilities and substations. The White House says foreign-made equipment and related digital technologies could create vulnerabilities that might be exploited for sabotage, unauthorized access or other disruptions.

Under the new policy, certain transactions involving foreign-produced equipment can be restricted when US officials determine that they present unacceptable security risks. The measures can cover not only physical hardware but also software, firmware, digital services and remote-access capabilities connected with critical electrical equipment.

The order gives the US Energy Department a central role in determining which equipment and suppliers may pose security concerns. Officials are expected to develop implementing rules within 120 days and can establish criteria for equipment and vendors considered suitable for future transactions.

The policy also addresses equipment that is already operating on the US power system. If authorities determine that particular foreign-manufactured equipment presents an unacceptable threat, the Energy Secretary can impose measures involving identification, monitoring, isolation, security controls, disconnection, replacement or removal. Officials must consider electricity reliability, safety, replacement availability and continuity of essential services before requiring such action.

The administration has placed particular emphasis on the growing importance of reliable electricity. The White House argues that expanding artificial intelligence infrastructure, data centers, advanced manufacturing and defense production has increased the consequences of any major disruption to the power network.

The decision is also connected to broader concerns over international supply chains. Washington says heavy dependence on foreign suppliers can create vulnerabilities if geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions or other events interrupt access to critical electrical components.

The order does not amount to a blanket prohibition on every foreign-made electrical product. Instead, restrictions depend on government determinations concerning covered foreign entities, particular equipment and potential national-security risks. The policy also specifically excludes facilities used for local electricity distribution.

The announcement could have consequences for US utilities and equipment manufacturers. Companies that rely on overseas components may need to review their supply chains, while American manufacturers and other suppliers viewed as secure could see greater demand. Industry observers have also warned that replacing equipment could involve significant costs and logistical challenges.

China has not been explicitly named as the target of the executive order, but the measure comes amid longstanding US concerns about Chinese technology in critical infrastructure. Recent reporting has highlighted particular scrutiny of Chinese-made electrical components, including solar inverters and large power transformers.

For the US power industry, the next several months will therefore be important. The Energy Department’s forthcoming rules are expected to provide greater clarity about which equipment, suppliers and transactions will face restrictions.

The broader objective is to make the US electricity system more resilient while reducing potential exposure to foreign-controlled technology and supply-chain disruptions. At the same time, policymakers will have to balance security concerns with the need for affordable equipment, reliable electricity and a stable transition for utilities already operating complex power networks.