US federal energy regulators have directed six regional grid operators to establish quicker connection procedures for major power consumers, such as AI data centres, that need access to the high-voltage transmission network.
On Thursday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission unanimously voted to mandate that these operators demonstrate how they will process requests from large electricity consumers more swiftly and systematically. The directive covers grid operators serving approximately 200 million people, representing around two-thirds of FERC’s oversight area.
AP News reported that FERC instructed regional grid operators to guarantee AI data centres and other significant power consumers can connect to the transmission network promptly and in an organized fashion.
FERC establishes new grid standards
Reuters reported that the directive encompasses six regional grids under FERC’s authority, with Texas excluded. Grid operators and transmission owners have 60 days to either defend their existing regulations or suggest modifications. Potential changes might involve more transparent connection protocols and guidelines for distributing infrastructure expenses.
This decision comes after Energy Secretary Chris Wright requested eight months ago that FERC assume a more active role in accelerating grid access for computing facilities supporting AI systems. Wright stated the directive would eliminate obstacles and help guarantee access to affordable, dependable, and secure electricity.
The directive follows a FERC proceeding initiated after the Energy Secretary asked the commission to evaluate reforms for incorporating large electrical loads into transmission infrastructure. FERC noted in April that staff had examined over 3,500 pages of public comments in the case file.
Under the directive, data centres and other major consumers would bear the complete cost of grid upgrades required for their connection. FERC Chair Laura Swett stated the commission was committed to maintaining reasonable electricity rates and shielding ratepayers from bearing the expense of infrastructure constructed for large new customers.
Swett noted the directive respects state jurisdiction over retail electricity rates, terms, and conditions. Utilities, state regulators, and regional grid operators had expressed concerns that federal intervention might restrict their authority over connection procedures.
FERC instructed grid operators to respond within 30 days regarding how they will secure adequate power supplies for new and upcoming data centres. They must additionally present plans within 60 days on how they will incorporate large power consumers under the updated guidelines.
The show-cause orders also motivate large consumers to provide their own power resources and explore technologies that can enhance grid efficiency.
Data centre electricity needs expand
Some major data centres encounter extended delays when attempting to connect to the grid. In certain regions, electricity demand from new data centres is increasing faster than new power plants and associated infrastructure can be developed. AP reported that constrained energy supplies have sparked worries about elevated electricity costs and reliability challenges in some areas.
Data centres currently represent about 5% of US electricity consumption, according to figures from the Electric Power Research Institute. That proportion could triple by 2035.
EPRI’s 2026 analysis forecasts that data centres will use 9% to 17% of US electricity by 2030, up from approximately 4% to 5% currently.
The International Energy Agency projects worldwide data centre electricity usage will approximately double to around 945 TWh by 2030, accounting for just under 3% of global electricity consumption.
More than 4,000 data centres operate across the US, with an additional 3,000 planned or under construction, according to one estimate referenced in the AP report. Some projects have experienced delays connected to permitting and local resistance. Others have been impacted by shortages of gas turbines, transformers, and qualified workers.
FERC addressed data centre power access in PJM in December 2025. In December 2025, it directed PJM, the largest US grid operator, to develop clearer guidelines for serving AI-driven data centres and other large loads situated near power generation facilities.
Thursday’s directive expands FERC’s large-load assessment beyond PJM to six regional grid operators.
On the same day as FERC’s directive, the Public Utility Commission of Texas approved ERCOT’s “Batch Zero” framework. The procedure applies to large consumers of 75 MW or above. ERCOT is monitoring more than 438,000 MW of large-load requests, with nearly 89% associated with data centres.
States and utilities maintain key roles
The Edison Electric Institute, representing investor-owned utilities, stated the directive builds upon regional and state processes already underway. The organization said it also endorses flexibility and innovative approaches to large-load connections.
Jeff Dennis, executive director of the Electricity Customer Alliance, said the directive addresses concerns from both large power consumers and state regulators. He noted technology companies face ambiguous regulations when connecting data centres to transmission networks, while states require greater clarity regarding who funds federally approved transmission projects.
Rob Gramlich, a Washington-based energy consultant, said states should act promptly to establish regulations for large power consumers and prevent transferring costs to residential and business customers. He said FERC could assume a broader role in interconnection matters if states fail to act quickly.
Some communities have resisted data centre projects. Residents have voiced concerns regarding energy and water consumption, noise, air pollution, and land utilization.
Clean energy organizations have encouraged regulators not to undermine state-level initiatives that mandate renewable energy usage. FERC said its directive preserves state authority over retail power matters while establishing federal expectations for transmission access.
FERC also invited utilities that manage their own regional transmission systems to take part in the process.
(Photo by Homa Appliances)
See also: Texas Governor calls for data centre regulation
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