The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) unanimously approved its consent agenda during a meeting held on July 16, 2026. Actions encompassed reliability standards for substantial computational loads, coordination between Western grid operators, transmission rate incentives, and hydropower permitting reforms. Chairman Laura V. Swett highlighted PJM Interconnection's latest capacity auction results, which showed a shortfall of

PJM Interconnection Plans Auction to Address Capacity Shortage The PJM Interconnection has submitted a plan to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a one-time reliability backstop auction scheduled from September 30 through October 21. The auction aims to address a deficiency of 6.8 gigawatts in capacity identified during the grid operator’s recent base capacity auction,

PJM Interconnection Faces Accelerated Reliability Procurement Due to Rising Demand Discussions began in January concerning escalating demand, particularly from large-scale data centers, posing a reliability concern for the PJM Interconnection, the nation's largest power grid operator. This issue is now driving an expedited procurement and contracting process. On April 8, 2026, PJM informed stakeholders of

PJM Faces a $178 Billion Decision Point The PJM Interconnection region is grappling with significant challenges related to resource adequacy and interconnection issues, placing its efforts under national scrutiny following record-high capacity auction prices last summer. The region’s predicament extends beyond data center load growth, encompassing a congested interconnection queue, supply chain disruptions for gas

A concerning trend has emerged in recent auctions held by PJM Interconnection, as capacity prices have reached the established price cap, signaling a significant strain on the power system and raising the risk of potential blackouts. The delay in completing planned clean energy projects, such as solar and wind farms, is a primary driver of this crisis, exacerbated by supply chain disruptions, permitting processes, grid infrastructure limitations, and accelerated retirement of fossil fuel power plants, highlighting the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to address this situation and ensure a sustainable transition towards clean energy.