Trump reissues ban on foreign bulk-power systems

Per Tech Radar, President Trump has again declared a national emergency, banning the import, installation, and use of foreign bulk-power systems within the United States. The order also mandates an analysis of existing systems to identify and replace foreign-made hardware and software with domestic alternatives.

Bulk-power systems, which include power plants, transmission lines, and substations, are critical infrastructure for the nation's electrical grid. The executive order cites "certain foreign actors" creating and exploiting vulnerabilities, posing an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to national security, foreign policy, and the economy. While not explicitly named, the ban is widely understood to target China, a major supplier of solar components and power transformers. This action mirrors a similar ban issued in mid-2020, which was later suspended and revoked by the Biden administration.

The Department of Energy has 120 days to consult with other agencies and establish enforcement rules for this new directive, focusing on identifying and mitigating risks associated with foreign-produced equipment.

Source: Tech Radar