Trump administration pushes PJM to hold ‘emergency’ auction to supply data centers

Capstone analysts said the proposal lacks binding authority, “reinforcing that this is policy signaling, not an imminent market reform.”

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 16, 2026

Tariffs push construction input prices higher

The latest PPI report presents “plenty of cause for concern,” according to Associated Builders and Contractors. Switchgear, switchboard and industrial controls equipment was up 11.1% from last year; copper wire and cable were up 11.7% and unprocessed energy materials were down 4.9%.

By Sebastian Obando • Jan. 15, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

AI in the Power Sector

Artificial intelligence is uniquely positioned to impact the electricity industry from both ends: as the technology driving large load demand growth and as a tool with the potential to make the power system more efficient. 

By Utility Dive staff

Public Citizen challenges cost recovery for $546M PSE&G transmission project

A $6.6 million settlement between Public Service Electric and Gas and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission indicates costs from the project were imprudent, Public Citizen said.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 15, 2026

PJM trims near-term load forecast on stricter data center vetting, economic outlook

However, the PJM Interconnection expects long-term load growth to surge past its estimates released a year ago.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 15, 2026

Illinois AG files objections to ComEd data center agreements at FERC

The agreements are based on payment models in which the offtaker promises to pay a minimum and post security if its usage does not match its commitment. The state argues this does not guarantee enough revenue to cover the transmission costs.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 14, 2026

5 takeaways from Xcel CEO Bob Frenzel’s talk at the Minneapolis Fed

Supply chains are “actually degrading” while competition for engineering, construction and procurement services from hyperscalers is driving up costs for utilities, Frenzel said. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 12, 2026

Senate bill exempts fully isolated large loads from FERC, DOE regulation

The bill affecting data centers and other energy-intensive sectors may face opposition from utilities who see it as a threat to their revenue, according to one industry expert who called it “good for the public” and “extremely confident developers.”

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 12, 2026

The week in 5 numbers: data centers drive load growth in PJM, Texas

In non-data center news, offshore wind farms say they're losing millions a day and the government won't divulge the national security concerns behind a construction freeze.

By Meris Lutz • Jan. 9, 2026

Illinois sets 3-GW energy storage target, requires utilities to develop virtual power plants

Electricity bills in Illinois rose 15% last year. A new law aims to reduce energy costs by incentivizing new resources, expanding solar and growing efficiency programs.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 9, 2026

Utilities under pressure: 6 power sector trends to watch in 2026

Facing rising demand and aggressive load growth projections, utilities are rolling out massive spending plans. Now they'll have to walk a fine line with regulators and ratepayers.

By Meris Lutz , Robert Walton , Ethan Howland , Diana DiGangi • Jan. 8, 2026

MISO selects AEP-Berkshire JV to build $1.2B, 765-kV transmission project

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator also tapped Viridon to build a $350 million project in Wisconsin on the strength of the developer’s cost containment commitments.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 8, 2026

Data centers were 40% of PJM capacity costs in last auction: market monitor

Data center forecasts — beyond existing data centers — made up 45% of the $47.2 billion in capacity costs in PJM’s last three capacity auctions, according to a report by Monitoring Analytics.

By Ethan Howland • Jan. 7, 2026

Dominion seeks higher ROE, rate hike in South Carolina starting in July

Dominion Energy has proposed raising residential customer bills in South Carolina by about 12.7%. The utility is expecting electric demand to grow 1.2% annually for the next two decades.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 7, 2026

ERCOT’s large load queue jumped almost 300% last year

Data centers make up more than 70% of the total. The surge has “outgrown the process that was established for reviewing these large loads,” an Electric Reliability Council of Texas official said.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 6, 2026

ESIG task force recommends transmission reforms for a more reliable, efficient grid

Scenario-based planning can reduce over- and under-building, while input from state officials may ease permitting challenges later in development, experts said.

By Brian Martucci • Jan. 5, 2026

From policy to performance: The regulatory push for advanced conductors

With grids feeling the strain and modernization top of mind, regulators are turning to advanced conductors to guide utilities.

By Jason Huang, CEO, TS Conductor • Jan. 5, 2026

Why the SPEED Act may slow down after passing the House

In January, lawmakers face the expiration of a temporary government funding deal and impending midterms, complicating the bill's advancement. But observers say there is more urgency now than ever before to reform energy infrastructure permitting.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 22, 2025

Energy evolution: Meeting the demands of an AI-powered world

By pairing human expertise with AI-driven insights and forging collaborations across industries, we can build an energy ecosystem that is reliable and affordable for all, EPRI’s Remi Raphael writes.

By Remi Raphael • Dec. 19, 2025

The week in 5 numbers: PJM did it again

In other news, 2025 is shaping up to be another record year for new energy storage installations. With Ford entering the market, the industry expects continued growth, despite some bumps in the road. 

By Meris Lutz • Dec. 19, 2025

FERC orders PJM to craft large load colocation rules

The decision is a win for independent power producers with gas-fired and nuclear power plants in the PJM Interconnection, according to Capstone analysts.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 19, 2025

FERC members raise alarms about PJM failure to meet reliability target

PJM says several factors could close the capacity shortfall, including a new load forecast next month that could be significantly lower than the last due to stricter vetting of potential large loads and a reduced economic outlook.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 19, 2025

Large load tariffs could streamline interconnection by shrinking queues: Enverus

“Anyone with an acre of land they think they could put a data center on is putting in an interconnection request,” said energy research analyst Adam Robinson.

By Emma Penrod • Dec. 18, 2025

SBTi opens pilot for power sector net-zero standard

The Science Based Targets initiative is looking for companies in the energy industry to test the practicality and usefulness of the draft framework.

By Lamar Johnson • Dec. 17, 2025

Duke University launches power sector ‘competitiveness’ dashboard for Southeast

The Southern states ranked most “competitive” all participated in regional transmission organizations or independent system operators, researchers noted.

By Diana DiGangi • Dec. 12, 2025

FERC poised to issue decision on colocating large loads in PJM

The agency’s plan to issue an order at its Dec. 18 open meeting is likely a boon for nuclear and gas-fired power plant owners that want to sell electricity to colocated data centers, analysts said.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 12, 2025