Overview
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright sent FERC a draft rule directing the commission to initiate a proceeding that would cover interconnections of new loads above 20 megawatts, including AI data centers and crypto miners, connected directly to transmission.
- The proposal enables joint, co‑located load‑and‑generation filings and calls for expedited studies for facilities that agree to be curtailable or dispatchable or that add new on‑site power.
- The draft outlines standardized study deposits, readiness requirements, and withdrawal penalties for large loads and indicates customers would be responsible for full network upgrade costs.
- DOE also asked FERC to streamline preliminary hydropower permits by clarifying that opposition from third parties does not constitute a veto.
- FERC was asked to take final action by April 30, 2026, and early responses range from utility backing to environmental criticism, with observers noting significant legal questions about federal and state authority.