FERC Rejects PJM Data Center Capacity Rules, Approves Large-Load Registry
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Oct. 9 partially approved PJM Interconnection proposal to track large electricity users but rejected its proposed capacity requirements and emergency curtailment framework. The decision follows PJM’s warning that it could face a capacity shortfall beginning in the 2027/2028 delivery year due to data center load growth and the pace…...
Minnesota Power Customers to Receive $122.5 Million in Bill Credits
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on Oct. 9 approved two credit programs totaling $122.5 million to reduce electricity bills for Minnesota Power customers. The measures will return proceeds from utility land sales and benefits associated with the acquisition of ALLETE to customers, providing short-term relief and recurring credits through 2031. Minnesota Power will distribute $72.5…...
U.S. Energy Department Backs FERC Reforms to Protect PJM Ratepayers
The U.S. Energy Department on Oct. 9 expressed its support for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recommendations for PJM Interconnection’s proposed Reliability Backstop Procurement, seeking to ensure that large electricity users pay for the generation and infrastructure needed to serve their demand. DOE has filed a statement with FERC supporting revised market rules and other reforms…...
Duke Energy Expands Data Center Cost Protections to Shield North Carolina Ratepayers
Duke Energy on Oct. 7 announced that it had reached an agreement with North Carolina Public Staff and major data center customers to strengthen protections against costs associated with serving data centers and other large electricity users. The agreement covering Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress would require new large load customers to make…...
Maryland Ends Multi-Year Rate Pilot After Finding Limited Customer Benefits
The Maryland Public Service Commission on Oct. 1 announced that it has concluded the state’s multi-year rate plan pilot after finding that the framework did not deliver measurable benefits for customers or advance the state’s energy policy goals. The regulator instead directed electric utilities and stakeholders to develop a substantially revised approach to forward-looking utility…...
FERC Approves PJM Reliability Procurement, Delays Implementation to 2027
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Sept. 29 approved PJM Interconnection’s proposed Reliability Backstop Procurement to secure additional electricity supply amid near-term reliability concerns, but suspended the measure for five months, delaying its effective date to Feb. 28, 2027. The action gives the regulator additional time to consider the procurement framework while placing the proposal…...
Minnesota Commission Examines Affordability of Electric and Natural Gas Utility Service
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on Sept. 25 launched a statewide investigation into the affordability of electric and natural gas service, opening a broad review of how regulatory decisions, state and federal requirements, and other cost drivers affect customer bills. The effort will examine whether the commission’s existing oversight tools are sufficient to address affordability…...
California Enacts Data Center Laws Tightening Oversight of Water, Electricity and Land Use
California Governor Gavin Newsom on Sep. 21 signed a package of seven bills that strengthen oversight of data center development by requiring greater transparency on electricity, water, and land-use impacts while preventing developers from shifting infrastructure costs onto ratepayers. The legislation gives local governments more information to evaluate proposed projects as California seeks to accommodate…...
Carbon Pricing September 2026 Update
Cap-and-trade programs across the U.S. are evolving as states refine program frameworks, adjust emissions trajectories, and…Read the full report …...