A growing debate has emerged in the power grid over data center load, with a recent complaint filed with FERC proposing to block interconnection until supply can be guaranteed. The issue highlights the challenges posed by rapid and substantial load increases common with large-scale technology projects, such as data centers, which are accelerating capacity shortages and price spikes on the PJM transmission grid, affecting not just consumers but also generation owners.

The New York Independent System Operator told an Assembly hearing its planning work shows potential reliability shortfalls in New York City (starting 2026) and Long Island (starting 2027) if supply and transmission are not expanded; the operator said large, fast-moving load requests complicate planning.