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

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

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

EPA poised to scrap power plant carbon standards

Eliminating federal limits on power-sector emissions could undermine local climate goals and increase risks to infrastructure and public health, city and environmental leaders warn.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Sept. 14, 2026

The hidden cost of utility customer vulnerability

Affordability struggles are spreading. Is your utility built to catch them in time?

Sept. 14, 2026

Court rejects DOE ‘emergency’ order delaying coal plant retirement as overstep

“The Department’s reading of 'emergency' invites frequent federal interventions that are unsupported by the statute and threaten the stability of the energy market,” the U.S. Appeals Court for the District of Columbia Circuit said in its ruling.

By Ethan Howland • Updated Sept. 11, 2026

New York ISO’s independence is critical when the grid is stressed

This summer’s Champlain Hudson Power Express outage highlights the importance of an independent grid operator, writes Zach Smith, senior vice president of system and resource planning at NYISO.

By Zach Smith • Sept. 11, 2026

Pennsylvania PUC to consider ratemaking, ROE and curtailment as data center load grows

The decisions come “amid growing concern about the balance between rapidly increasing electricity demand and the resources available to serve that demand” in PJM territory, the Pennsylvania PUC said.

By Diana DiGangi • Sept. 11, 2026

Unplanned power plant outages fell sharply during 2025/26 winter storms: FERC-NERC report

Improved preparations and interregional power transfers played key roles in avoiding blackouts during bitter cold in early 2026, according to the agency and grid watchdog.

By Ethan Howland • Sept. 11, 2026

California PUC to revise general rate case plan around transparency goals

Commissioner Darcie Houck suggested taking “a closer look at the correlation between utility performance and compensation.” The plan has not been comprehensively updated since 2007. 

By Diana DiGangi • Sept. 10, 2026

Google, Xcel, others back MISO’s ‘zero injection’ large-load proposal

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator's proposal would fast-track reviews for generating projects that supply large loads served by the same substation, including colocated loads.

By Ethan Howland • Sept. 9, 2026

Large-load tariffs increasingly rely on upfront payments, exit fees, ramp schedules

Active and proposed large-load tariffs have increased sharply since early 2025, as has the average qualifying demand threshold for covered customers, according to research from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

By Brian Martucci • Sept. 8, 2026

Bonneville eyes switch to CAISO’s EDAM from Southwest Power Pool’s Markets+

BPA’s Travis Kavulla outlined governance-related criteria that need to be met for the federal power marketer to join the Extended Day-Ahead Market run by California’s grid operator.

By Ethan Howland • Sept. 8, 2026