Overview
- The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Monday released a Synapse Energy Economics analysis that shows the PJM regional grid would fail to meet its reliability planning standard beginning in 2027 under current policies.
- The study says a severe scenario driven by rapid data‑center builds would cause new demand in 2029–2030 to exceed Pennsylvania’s current annual electricity use and projects an expectation of more than 13 loss‑of‑load events per year starting in 2030.
- PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank warned growth cannot come at the expense of families and businesses and the commission proposed a model large‑load tariff for customers requiring 50 megawatts or more while urging broader, coordinated action.
- State action is already under way: Governor Josh Shapiro issued an executive order on Aug. 18 limiting data‑center development, but the General Assembly has not passed comprehensive legislation to address the risks.
- If no policy changes occur, the study projects rising strain on supply that could shift costs to residential and small business customers, force faster generation build or retirement decisions, and require PJM and states to coordinate capacity, transmission and siting responses.