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US federal energy regulators have ordered six regional grid operators to create faster connection processes for large power users, including AI data centres, seeking access to the high-voltage transmission system.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission voted unanimously on Thursday to require the operators to show how they will handle requests from large electricity users in a faster and more orderly way. The order applies to grid operators that serve about 200 million people, or roughly two-thirds of FERC’s jurisdiction.
AP News reported that FERC directed regional grid operators to ensure AI data centres and other large power users can connect to the transmission system in a timely and orderly manner.
FERC sets new grid requirements
Reuters reported that the order covers six regional grids under FERC jurisdiction and excludes Texas. Grid operators and transmission owners have 60 days to justify their current rules or propose changes. Those changes could include clearer connection procedures and rules for assigning infrastructure costs.
The decision follows a request from Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who asked FERC eight months ago to take a larger role in speeding up grid access for the computing facilities used to support AI systems. Wright said the order would remove barriers and help ensure access to affordable, reliable, and secure power.
The order follows a FERC proceeding launched after the Energy Secretary asked the commission to consider reforms for integrating large electrical loads into transmission infrastructure. FERC said in April that staff had reviewed more than 3,500 pages of public comments in the docket.
Under the order, data centres and other large users would pay the full cost of grid upgrades needed for their connection. FERC Chair Laura Swett said the commission was focused on keeping electricity rates reasonable and preventing ratepayers from carrying the cost of infrastructure built for large new customers.
Swett said the order respects state authority over retail electricity rates, terms, and conditions. Utilities, state regulators, and regional grid operators had raised concerns that federal action could limit their control over connection processes.
FERC directed grid operators to respond within 30 days on how they will ensure adequate power supplies for new and future data centres. They must also submit plans within 60 days on how they will integrate large power users under the new guidelines.
The show-cause orders also encourage large users to bring their own power resources and consider technologies that can improve grid efficiency.
Data centre power demand grows
Some large data centres face long waits to connect to the grid. In some regions, electricity demand from new data centres is rising faster than new power plants and related infrastructure can be built. AP reported that tightening energy supplies have raised concerns over higher electricity bills and reliability risks in some areas.
Data centres now account for about 5% of US electricity demand, according to data from the Electric Power Research Institute. That share could triple by 2035.
EPRI’s 2026 analysis projects that data centres will consume 9% to 17% of US electricity by 2030, compared with about 4% to 5% today.
The International Energy Agency projects global data centre electricity consumption will roughly double to about 945 TWh by 2030, representing just under 3% of global electricity use.
More than 4,000 data centres operate in the US, with another 3,000 planned or under construction, according to one estimate cited in the AP report. Some projects have faced delays linked to permitting and local opposition. Others have been affected by shortages of gas turbines, transformers, and skilled labour.
FERC acted on data centre power access in PJM in December 2025. In December 2025, it directed PJM, the largest US grid operator, to create clearer rules for serving AI-driven data centres and other large loads located near power generation.
Thursday’s order extends FERC’s large-load review beyond PJM to six regional grid operators.
On the same day as FERC’s order, the Public Utility Commission of Texas approved ERCOT’s “Batch Zero” framework. The process applies to large users of 75 MW or more. ERCOT is tracking more than 438,000 MW of large-load requests, with nearly 89% tied to data centres.
States and utilities remain central
The Edison Electric Institute, which represents investor-owned utilities, said the order builds on regional and state processes already in progress. The group said it also supports flexibility and new approaches to large-load connections.
Jeff Dennis, executive director of the Electricity Customer Alliance, said the order addresses concerns from large power users and state regulators. He said technology companies face unclear rules when connecting data centres to transmission systems, while states need more clarity on who pays for federally approved transmission projects.
Rob Gramlich, a Washington-based energy consultant, said states should move quickly to set rules for large power users and avoid shifting costs to residential and business customers. He said FERC could take a broader role in interconnection issues if states do not act quickly.
Some communities have opposed data centre projects. Residents have raised concerns over energy and water use, noise, air pollution, and land use.
Clean energy groups have urged regulators not to weaken state-level efforts that require renewable energy use. FERC said its order preserves state authority over retail power matters while setting federal expectations for transmission access.
FERC also invited utilities that manage their own regional transmission systems to participate in the process.
(Photo by Homa Appliances)
See also: Texas Governor calls for data centre regulation
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