Largest U.S. power transmission manager counts on upgraded review process to accelerate capacity as data centers multiply and criticism over its management grows
Federal energy regulator's decision set for June to propose large-load interconnection rule could reshape US transmission planning, reallocate upgrade costs and boost utility infrastructure expansion
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission plans action on proposal to expand oversight of AI-driven data center grid connections as utilities accelerate transmission upgrades.
As Toronto's grid reaches its limits, Ontario's electricity system operator has proposed a $9.8 billion plan to address the issue, potentially establishing one of North America’s largest high-voltage construction programs.
Selected to meet critical South Bay reliability
needs, projects will add 17 miles of infrastructure between two
existing substations, including a 12-mile underground section.
As data center demand surges, grid access—not land—is deciding which projects move forward, forcing builders to rethink power infrastructure, costs and schedules before construction begins.
Push for larger federal role to expedite grid connections is set to finalize by April 2026, but states and utilities worry about power overload, reliability and
ratepayer cost hikes and want more time to study impacts—as administration moves to curb state role in AI regulation.
Funding comes as Energy Dept. and FERC are set to push rule to "rapidly accelerate” grid links of power loads larger than 20 MW, such as for data centers
Contractors will be hired state by state for $3.5B rebuild of high-voltage lines in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma and West Virginia—as Energy Dept. and FERC push rule to "rapidly accelerate” grid links of power loads larger than 20 MW, such as for data centers.
Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Vermont ask grid operator to seek bids for new power transmission projects to relieve critical capacity gaps in the region—and connect up to 1,200 MW of onshore wind production..
Funds are earmarked for 42 projects in as many states and
D.C., with an added $28 million set for award to 15 states to expand and train the U.S. green building workforce.