KEY POINTS
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The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on June 18 ordered the nation’s six regional grid operators to justify or revise the tariff rules that govern how data centers, factories and other large power users connect to the electric grid.
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The commission gave grid operators 60 days to defend current tariffs or file changes, and 30 days to explain how they will ensure enough generation is available for existing and new large loads.
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The action puts new focus on study timelines, cost allocation, co-location arrangements and flexible service options as electricity demand from AI and manufacturing projects rises.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on June 18 launched a targeted push to speed how data centers, manufacturing plants and other large energy users connect to the grid, ordering the country’s six regional grid operators to justify or revise the tariff rules now governing those connections.
The FERC said, "The orders mark one of the most significant actions the Commission has taken to modernize the nation's electric markets and push the economy into the future by speeding integration of large energy users onto the grid with additional rigorous consumer safeguards."
Orders Apply to the Six Largest US Grid Operators
According to a June 18, 2026, FERC statement and companion fact sheet, the orders are meant to accelerate large-load integration while protecting existing customers from unfair cost shifting. The commission regulates interstate electricity, natural gas and oil transmission, reviews natural gas infrastructure proposals, and licenses hydropower projects.
The speed-to-power orders apply to the six regional US grid operators, including PJM, MISO, SPP, CAISO, ISO New England and NYISO.
Each grid operator and its transmission owners now have 60 days to explain why current tariffs remain just and reasonable without rules tailored to large loads, or to file revisions addressing the commission’s concerns.
Within 30 days, they also must submit informational reports outlining how they plan to ensure adequate generation for both existing and incoming large-load customers.
