PJM has announced revisions to interconnection reliability procedures designed to address the increasing prevalence of Large Load facilities, which include data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations. The move follows a July 22nd event in northern Virginia when approximately 4,000 megawatts of data center load unexpectedly disconnected from the electrical grid, causing those facilities to activate

Poland is emerging as a regional gas hub after setting a new record for natural gas transmission in 2025. Gaz-System, the state-owned transmission system operator, is on track to deliver a record 20bcm this year.

PJM Interconnection has recently approved modifications to ongoing projects within its Regional Transmission Expansion Plan (RTEP), resulting in significant upgrades to ensure a reliable and efficient power supply for 67 million people across 13 states and the District of Columbia. The changes, which include adjustments to project scope and costs, cancellations, and new generation resources, will collectively result in $604.4 million worth of network upgrades, with some projects experiencing slight cost increases due to shifting market conditions, such as PSE&G's decision to purchase a spare reactor instead of retiring two 138 kV reactors.

The US Department of Energy has directed the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to streamline large load interconnection processes, aiming to improve the efficient and predictable connection of substantial energy demands to the power grid. Following an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FERC will examine and potentially revise procedures to facilitate equitable access for large energy consumers such as data centers, which currently face difficulties due to significant power needs and urgent grid access requirements. The directive sets a deadline of April 2026 for FERC to finalize standardized interconnection processes, addressing the ongoing challenge of meeting increasing demand from large loads and distributed energy resources.

The PJM Interconnection, a critical hub for power distribution across 13 states and Washington, D.C., is facing significant strain due to growing demand from rapidly expanding data centers and a slow process for connecting new renewable energy projects. To address this challenge, researchers are exploring the potential of "Surplus Interconnection Service" (SIS), which involves repurposing existing unused transmission capacity to facilitate faster integration of new solar, wind, and energy storage projects into the grid, with estimates suggesting SIS could support up to 153 gigawatts of new renewable energy development in the PJM region.

FERC Meeting Agenda for February 2025 Set to Address Key Energy Regulatory Matters The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will convene on a specific date in February 2025 to address pressing regulatory issues within the energy sector. The agenda includes three primary items of consideration: Docket No. ER15-1967-000, Docket No. ER21-2344-000, and Docket No. ER15-1957-000. In Docket No. ER15-1967-000, FERC will review a proposed electric rate settlement between a prominent company and a regulatory body. This agreement seeks to address specific concerns related to the company's operations. The FERC's consideration of this proposal underscores the commission's commitment to maintaining fair and competitive markets. Meanwhile, Docket No. ER21-2344-000 presents an opportunity for FERC to evaluate a significant pipeline expansion project by a leading pipeline company. This undertaking aims to increase the capacity of natural gas transmission in a specific state, which would have far-reaching implications for energy supply and demand in the region. Additionally, Docket No. ER15-1957-000 brings before FERC a proposed transmission system upgrade by another major transmission company. The objective of this upgrade is to enhance the reliability and efficiency of a particular transmission line, contributing to the overall stability and resilience of the national grid. Apart from these primary agenda items, FERC will also address other pressing matters, including an update on its energy infrastructure transparency rules and a discussion on electric vehicle charging infrastructure regulations. These topics are crucial for shaping the future of energy policy in the United States. Members of the public are invited to participate in the meeting by attending the open hearing session and sharing their comments or questions with FERC staff. For more information, please contact FERC staff at a specified email address or phone number. Note: This summary is based on the White & Case alert article and may not be comprehensive or up-to-date. It serves as general information about the FERC meeting agenda and should not be relied upon as legal advice.