FERC
-
Grid interconnection Connecting large loads
FERC Accepts PJM's Large Load Definition and Registry, and Rejects Its Other Proposed Tariff Revisions
FERC accepted PJM's definition of a Large Load and its Large Load Registry, effective October 12, 2026, and rejected PJM's remaining proposed tariff revisions, among them the Interim Resource Adequacy Service and the rules for Bring Your Own New Capacity.
-
Operational Data and Communications: The Final Draft of NERC's Proposed Standard for Computational Load Sites
NERC's final draft of CLO-002-1, dated October 2026, would require each Computational Load Operator to "comply with each Operating Instruction issued by its Transmission Operator(s), Balancing Authority, or Reliability Coordinator," unless the action cannot be physically implemented or would violate safety, equipment, regulatory or statutory requirements. Its timetable anticipates board adoption in the fourth quarter of 2026.
-
Grid interconnection Connecting large loads
Until Network Upgrades Are Complete: The California ISO's Proposed Interim Service for Large Loads
The California ISO's draft final proposal of September 24, 2026 sets out a Flexible Interim Load Interconnection service, under which a large load would "interconnect flexibly and receive service up to a certain level based on grid conditions and constraints until network upgrades are complete." The ISO says it will seek its board's approval on October 28, 2026.
-
What the Panel May Ask: Large Loads at FERC's Reliability Technical Conference of October 21, 2026
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's notice of September 9, 2026 sets out the agenda of its Reliability Technical Conference on October 21. The title of its first panel includes "Operational Challenges of Integrating Large Loads in Evolving System Dynamics."
-
Loads That Leave the Grid: NERC's Reliability Insights on Large Computational Loads and Voltage Sensitivity
NERC's Reliability Insights of September 2026 describes large computational loads, data centers among them, that remove themselves from the grid when the voltage dips, in what it calls a familiar pattern. It reports changes by data centers that may have reduced the load lost in one event, and a load reduction in Virginia in July 2026 whose specifics are still being analyzed.
-
"Fault Cleared Properly": PJM Reviews Its Load Transfer Events
PJM's operational review of October 6 lists three dates on which load transferred to backup generation. The slide for each describes a fault on a transmission line and carries the same line: fault cleared properly.
-
Grid interconnection Connecting large loads
New Capacity, or Reduce When Called: PJM Answers the Protests
On September 23, PJM answered the comments and protests on its proposal for new large loads. In the answer's words, such a load, or the entity serving it, must arrange for new capacity. Absent that, it must reduce its energy demands when called upon during system emergencies.
-
"They Should Not Disconnect From the Grid": PJM's Account of the July 22 Load Transfer
On July 22, 2026, data centers in Virginia disconnected from the grid and switched to backup generation after a line fault. PJM's account of August 11 gives the sequence in two waves and what operators did, and reports that the first phase of new reliability standards will not address ride-through.
-
Rules and permits Rules and tariffs
A Deadline for NERC's Own Plan: FERC's Order on Computational Loads
On July 16, 2026, the federal energy regulator directed NERC to file new or modified reliability standards for computational loads by December 31, 2026, the date NERC had already said it intended to meet. The order says NERC must address the concerns with greater certainty than voluntary timelines provide.
-
Grid interconnection Grid constraints
Short of the Reliability Requirement: PJM's 2028/2029 Capacity Auction
PJM's capacity auction for the 2028/2029 Delivery Year cleared at the price cap, and the total capacity cleared is short of the reliability requirement. PJM's release says the shortfall was not unexpected.
-
Prior to Receiving a Request: NERC's Level 3 Alert on Computational Loads
On May 4, 2026, NERC sent the grid's planners, owners and operators a Level 3 alert on computational loads such as AI training, with seven essential actions and questions to answer by August 3. The alert says it "does not create a mandatory obligation to take the Essential Actions."
