David Mills

Stories

PJM fast-tracks first 2.1 GW of capacity as data centers strain supply

Leading the grid operator's capacity push

On October 8, PJM Interconnection accepted its first three fast-track grid connections: 1.66 gigawatts of battery storage from Engie and a 455-megawatt gas-plant uprate from LS Power. All three are expected online by mid-2029.

Updated Oct 19

FERC forces PJM to rewrite the rules for power-hungry, power-adjacent data centers

Rule Changes

New CEO leading PJM through FERC's interconnection and governance reforms

Data centers found a shortcut: park next to a generator and drink power without waiting years for grid upgrades. In December 2025, FERC ordered PJM to rewrite its tariff so co-located mega-load can't stay invisible to planning and cost responsibility. In June 2026, FERC expanded the push, ordering six grid operators to justify or overhaul how they connect AI data centers.

Updated Oct 16