NEW JERSEY — New Jersey is under a federal power-grid emergency order as officials scramble to keep the lights on across the Mid-Atlantic amid high electricity demand and planned power-plant outages.

The emergency order, issued by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, took effect Tuesday and remains in place through Thursday, Oct. 16. It covers the PJM Interconnection region, which serves more than 65 million people across New Jersey and parts of 12 other states and Washington, D.C.

But the order does not mean blackouts are imminent. Federal officials say the move is designed to reduce the risk of power shortages by giving grid operators additional tools to keep electricity flowing.

Why was the emergency declared?

The regional grid is facing several pressures at once: elevated electricity demand, planned power-plant maintenance and scheduled work on transmission lines.

PJM requested emergency authority from the federal government to help maintain reliable service during the strained period. The order allows the grid operator to direct certain power-generation units to operate as needed and, as a last resort, call on backup generators at large facilities.

PJM has also issued capacity advisories and other operational notices as available power supplies tighten. Grid operators are taking additional steps to manage demand and available generation.

Could New Jersey lose power?

The emergency order is intended to help prevent outages, not announce planned blackouts. It does not mean every New Jersey resident should expect to lose electricity.

However, the order reflects concerns about whether enough generation will be available to meet demand while some power plants and transmission facilities are out of service.

Officials can take additional steps if conditions worsen, including bringing more generation online and using backup power resources when necessary.

What is PJM?

PJM Interconnection coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity and balances supply and demand across a large regional grid. New Jersey is among the states served by the system.

The federal order gives PJM additional authority to direct certain resources to operate during the emergency period, with the goal of maintaining reliable electric service.

When does the emergency end?

The order is scheduled to remain in effect through Thursday, Oct. 16. Grid conditions could change during that period, and officials may take further steps if needed.

For now, the message for New Jersey residents is straightforward: A power-grid emergency has been declared, but widespread blackouts have not been announced. The order is meant to give officials more options to prevent a shortage before it disrupts homes and businesses.