Federal regulators back Trump's plan to speed power to energy-hungry AI data centers
The order also shifts upgrade costs to data centers as operators face delays and a grid backlog that has slowed new projects for years.
- On Thursday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission voted unanimously to direct six regional grid operators to ensure AI data centers can connect to the transmission system in a "timely and orderly manner," affecting 200 million Americans.
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright urged the commission to act to help the United States "better compete with China" for AI superiority, as electricity demand from data centers could triple by 2035.
- Under the order, data centers must fund all grid upgrades, fulfilling commitments tech companies made under the Ratepayer Protection Pledge to protect ratepayers from shouldering infrastructure costs.
- Grid operators have 60 days to "defend or revise" electricity rates, while lawyer Robert Montejo noted that AI "has fundamentally changed the electricity landscape," signaling standing still is no longer an option.
- A J.P. Morgan report found over 60% of data center capacity planned for 2027 has not yet begun construction, as developers face widespread community opposition over rising bills and resource strain.
124 Articles
124 Articles
Feds order grid overhaul to speed AI data center development - Regional Media News
(The Center Square) - Federal regulators on Thursday ordered an overhaul of the nation's grid connection rules to fast-track power for AI data centers and manufacturing plants as part of an effort to protect national security and economic interests. The directives include strict safeguards to shield U.S. ratepayers from rising electricity costs. Under the new orders, the nation's six regional market operators have 60 days to comply with a requir…
US Regulator Makes 'Interventionist' Pivot to Speed Data Centers
(Bloomberg) — The chairman of the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said moves to help AI data centers accelerate hook ups to the country’s electric grids reflect a new and more interventionist approach by the regulator.
Inside Climate News
ecotopical.comFederal Regulators Tell Electric Grid Operators to Fix Their Rules on Data Centers
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission stops short of fulfilling the Trump administration’s wishes but puts regional grid operators on a “short leash.”By Lisa Sorg, Charles PaullinThe nation’s electric grid is stressed out.
The Berkshire Eagle
Industry Leaders Commend FERC for Action on Large Load Interconnection and Grid Flexibility
WASHINGTON, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Utilize Coalition, an industry-led energy affordability nonprofit backed by some of America's leading grid flexibility providers and consumers commended the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for its actions to rapidly interconnect large loads…
Regulators greenlight plan for quick AI data center grid connections
Federal regulators on Thursday took steps aimed at both speeding up the buildout of AI data centers and reducing costs. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) directed regional electric grid operators to reform various processes related to the connection of these and other large sources of power demand to the grid. “We are charting new...
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