11

Southwest Power Pool Expands into Western Interconnection

Southwest Power Pool on April 2 announced the launch of expanded grid operations that extend its service territory into the Western Interconnection, making it the first U.S. grid operator to span two major power systems. The organization’s expanded operations officially began at midnight central time on April 1, following months of coordinated testing, simulation, and…...

6

Michigan Regulator Approves $276.6 Million Consumers Energy Rate Increase to Boost Grid Reliability

The Michigan Public Service Commission on March 27 approved a rate increase for Consumers Energy to support continued investments in electric grid reliability and reduce outage frequency and duration. The decision authorizes a $276.6 million increase in base rates, including $21.7 million in deferred operations and maintenance expenses and $14.6 million tied to cloud computing…...

3 2

PJM Moves to Fast-Track Data Center Connections as Power Demand Surges

PJM Interconnection and its stakeholders on March 26 advanced a set of proposals aimed at accelerating the connection of large-load customers, including data centers, while addressing mounting reliability and affordability concerns. The grid operator’s Markets and Reliability Committee approved two issue charges to examine a “connect-and-manage” approach, establishing a dedicated senior task force set to…...

2

U.S. Energy Department Announces $50 Million for Tribal Energy Projects Across Indian Country

The U.S. Energy Department on March 25 announced a $50 million funding opportunity to support tribal-led energy development, with a focus on expanding access to affordable, reliable, and secure power across Indian Country. The funding will be directed toward both community-scale projects and early-stage planning for larger developments that can drive long-term economic growth. The…...

data center

U.S. Energy Department Partners with SoftBank, AEP on $33.3 Billion Ohio Power and Data Center Project

The U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Commerce on March 20 announced a public-private partnership with SoftBank and AEP Ohio to redevelop federal land, expand energy infrastructure, and support advanced computing development in southern Ohio. The initiative centers on the Portsmouth site in Pike County, where SB Energy, part of SoftBank Group, plans to…...

California Regulator Clears 175 Megawatts of Energy Storage Contracts for Resource Adequacy, Distribution Deferral

U.S. Energy Department Launches $293 Million AI Funding Program to Accelerate Energy Innovation

The U.S. Energy Department on March 17 announced a $293 million funding opportunity aimed at advancing the Genesis Mission, a major initiative focused on applying artificial intelligence to complex national challenges across science and energy systems. The effort seeks to mobilize interdisciplinary teams to develop next-generation AI tools capable of addressing more than 20 priority…...

EnerKnol Research PU Visual Primer Energy Affordability 2026 03 17 Blog preview

States Examine Energy Affordability as Electricity Demand and Infrastructure Needs Grow

As the energy sector grapples with unprecedented load growth, aging infrastructure, and necessary grid modernization, state utility regulators are increasingly… Read the full report  …...

EnerKnol Research PU Visual Primer Energy Affordability 2026 03 17 Blog preview

Visual Primer: States Examine Energy Affordability as Electricity Demand and Infrastructure Needs Grow

As the energy sector grapples with unprecedented load growth, aging infrastructure, and necessary grid modernization, state utility regulators are increasingly facing complex decisions about balancing these system needs with customer affordability.