US panel approves PJM's registry of data centers, rejects plan to curtail power to them
XLU•US energy regulators approved PJM's plan to track data centers but rejected its proposal to temporarily curtail their grid power during high-demand periods. PJM forecasts data center electricity demand in its territory will triple by 2030 to about 29 gigawatts.
1. Registry approved
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said PJM Interconnection can begin developing a database to track data centers. The registry could include facilities’ energy providers, locations, in-service dates, power ramp-up schedules, backup generation and fuel sources.
2. Curtailment plan rejected
FERC rejected PJM's proposal to temporarily shut off data centers during periods of high demand, saying the plan strayed outside the grid operator's authority. PJM may submit a revised plan, but must address issues including why data centers would be curtailed before other large energy users.
3. Demand and capacity pressures
PJM forecasts data center demand in its Midwest and Mid-Atlantic territory will reach about 29 gigawatts by 2030, triple current levels. The article says rising demand and dwindling electricity supplies have contributed to a more than 1,000% increase in PJM capacity costs since 2024 and a 6.8-gigawatt shortfall that could lead to blackouts.
