FERC chair slams PJM ‘mess’ as country’s largest grid operator delays power auction

PJM had planned to accept offers for backstop power supplies from Sept. 30 through Oct. 21 after falling short of its reserve margin targets amid aggressive data center load growth. But FERC only partially approved its plan, zeroing in on cost allocation concerns.

By Ethan Howland • Sept. 30, 2026

Lawsuit alleges USDA illegally slashed rural solar development program

Internal emails show a department administrator stating “let’s let the comms shop find . . . the rationale behind their statistics” when asked to substantiate anti-solar claims underpinning the policy changes, the complaint says. 

By Ethan Howland • Sept. 29, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Data Centers and the US Grid

A look at how data centers are affecting the U.S. grid today and how new technologies and rate structures could affect that trajectory in the years to come.

By Utility Dive staff

Data center backup power contributes to health risks: report

Federal regulatory actions are allowing on-site generators at data centers and other power plants to release dangerous emissions with fewer checks, according to the Environmental Protection Network.

By Robert Freedman • Sept. 28, 2026

SPP’s ‘stop-gap’ resource adequacy plan for Western balancing area panned at FERC

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission should reject the proposal, in part because it would stifle markets, the Southwest Power Pool’s market monitor said.

By Ethan Howland • Sept. 28, 2026

Second federal judge overturns $7B Solar for All cancellation

The decision in a suit brought by Harris County, Texas, follows a similar ruling last week. A Harris County judge called it “a really important victory for energy resilience.”

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Sept. 25, 2026

FERC rejects Oklo complaint seeking to reinstate project to PJM’s interconnection study cycle

The decision affects a 750-MW, mixed technology project in Virginia, which Oklo said would be delayed by at least 18 months if it misses the current interconnection cycle.

By Ethan Howland • Sept. 25, 2026

Advanced transmission projects get $1.9B in DOE funding

The department expects the projects will add 23 GW in grid capacity and will come online in “record time” to improve the existing transmission system.

By Ethan Howland • Sept. 24, 2026

On clean energy, bigger is not always better

When Congress revisits clean-energy tax policy, lawmakers should restore incentives for locally driven solar and storage projects, writes Edward Yim at Lawyers for Good Government.

By Edward Yim • Sept. 24, 2026

Affordability concerns drive momentum for performance-based ratemaking

Michigan is among the states weighing reforms to rate case planning and utility profits. Experts and stakeholders told Utility Dive what works — and what doesn’t.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 24, 2026

New York audits utility AI use, cites risk in ‘growing dependency’

Increasing use of AI systems to manage public utilities creates new risks for critical infrastructure, regulators said.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 24, 2026

FERC has options for modernizing PJM’s governance

The commission’s jurisdiction over transmission governance allows it to modify filing-rights allocations and adjust the PJM Interconnection’s nominating committee, writes Harvard Law’s Ari Peskoe.

By Ari Peskoe • Sept. 23, 2026

FERC rejects ComEd’s cancellation of PowerHouse Hillwood data center contract

A 1.8-GW, $20 billion data center planned by PowerHouse Hillwood was underpinned by a $1 letter of credit — “less than the price of a cup of coffee” — that drew skepticism from FERC Commissioner David LaCerte.

By Ethan Howland • Sept. 23, 2026

It’s time for utility bill reform

Programs that serve broad public purposes should be financed through state general funds rather than hidden in your electric bill, writes Marc Brown at the Consumer Energy Alliance.

By Marc Brown • Sept. 22, 2026

California tightens oversight of data center energy use, grid costs

Bills signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom include regulations aimed at ensuring data centers pay for infrastructure needed to serve them and bear a larger share of wildfire mitigation and liability costs.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Sept. 22, 2026

North Carolina regulators deny Duke Energy gas turbine request over ‘staggering’ cost, uncertain need

The order called out Duke’s commitment to the White House Ratepayer Protection Pledge, saying the utility had not established the specific extent to which the proposed facility is intended to serve data centers.

By Diana DiGangi • Sept. 22, 2026

Other New England states back Maine’s RTO adder complaint

The complaint at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is part of a trend of states seeking to end an extra 0.5% return utilities can earn for voluntarily joining a transmission organization.

By Ethan Howland • Sept. 22, 2026

Texas PUC adopts softened rules on data center interconnection

The Public Utility Commission of Texas backed off the standards it proposed in March, eliminating a non-refundable interconnection fee and extending energization milestone deadlines.

By Diana DiGangi • Updated Sept. 21, 2026

Federal judge restores $7B Solar for All program, says EPA illegally axed it

A Trump-appointed judge said the One Big Beautiful Bill Act did not convert the funding into “a lump-sum amount subject to EPA’s discretion.” Defendants acted contrary to Congress’ intent and with “no other statutory authority.”

By Ethan Howland • Sept. 21, 2026

Newsom vetoes bill to create California PUC inspector general

On Monday, Newsom signed a package of laws aimed at data centers, including strengthening energy reporting requirements and requiring regulators to create new rate structures.

By Meris Lutz • Updated Sept. 21, 2026

New York regulators approve 90-mile transmission line

The $3.3-billion project aims to improve downstate power delivery by 2030. It is being developed by New York Transco and the New York Power Authority.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 21, 2026

House passes ratepayer protection bill to limit data center cost shifts

The bill would “largely reinforce” a transition that is already underway as more states adopt large-load tariffs and is unlikely to pass the Senate before the midterm elections, according to ClearView Energy Partners.

By Ethan Howland • Sept. 17, 2026

Utility costs could put pressure on cities’ finances, S&P experts warn

Rates are high compared to household income in many places, and over time, this could reduce flexibility for public finance entities, say S&P Global analysts. This isn’t currently leading to significant bond rating actions, but it’s a “simmering risk.”

By Vicky Uhland • Sept. 16, 2026

State-led planning could advance clean energy in deregulated markets: report

States should step in with new long-term planning processes to bolster nuclear, offshore wind and other technologies that face major barriers, according to the Clean Air Task Force.

By Diana DiGangi • Sept. 16, 2026

EPA scraps Biden power plant GHG rules, moves to eliminate other standards

Rachael Marsh, chief legal officer at the Edison Electric Institute, which represents investor-owned utilities, said in an emailed statement to Utility Dive that the group supported the repeal of the carbon capture and storage-based standards.

By Meris Lutz , Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Sept. 15, 2026

Blackstone-TXNM deal faces fresh questions from New Mexico DOJ

TXNM unwound a Blackstone stock sale ruled illegal, but the state Department of Justice is seeking more information related to potential indirect costs to PNM ratepayers.

By Marlene Wilden • Sept. 14, 2026