Grid Operators Seek Delay On FERC Data Centre Power Rules
Five of six U.S. grid operators asked FERC for more time on large-load interconnection rules, leaving data centre developers waiting for enforceable power-access tariffs.
Most major U.S. grid operators asked for more time to rewrite large-load interconnection rules instead of meeting a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission deadline, Capacity Media reported, leaving data centre developers with another delay in the queue for power access.
FERC opened the process on June 18 with orders covering PJM, MISO, SPP, CAISO, ISO-NE and NYISO.
Each operator had 60 days to defend its current tariff treatment for data centres and other large loads or propose revisions, while a separate 45-day route allowed requests for abeyance of as much as 90 days.
Five Regions Choose More Time
PJM moved first on July 28.
MISO, SPP, CAISO, ISO-NE and NYISO then filed on August 3, the final day for abeyance requests, making delay the dominant response across the six proceedings.
Industrial customer groups, Constellation Energy and state committees broadly supported the requests.
American Municipal Power opposed MISO's motion, arguing that the filing did not satisfy the standard FERC had set when it opened the show-cause process.
The filings turn a federal push for faster power access into a regional timetable exercise.
Large-load customers still need tariff terms that define when a project qualifies, how interconnection costs are assigned and whether flexible service can move a facility ahead without weakening the grid.
California Files A Working Proposal
CAISO was the exception because it paired its request for time with a straw proposal.
The California operator outlined two flexible interconnection services and used 50 MW as the threshold for a large load.
FERC granted CAISO's pause but capped it at 90 days.
The operator now has until November 16 to file enforceable tariff language under Section 205, and the commission warned that another extension request would be viewed unfavourably.
FERC had already credited PJM for co-location work and SPP for its High Impact Large Load approach.
MISO and NYISO are still working on basic definitions through internal stakeholder groups, so their reform path remains earlier in the process.
The commission's June orders tied the urgency to load growth that was moving faster than new generation in several regions.
That finding keeps the proceedings focused on interconnection mechanics rather than ordinary planning updates.
Power Queues Stay Unsettled
The policy dispute sits on top of an interconnection market already strained by gigawatt-scale campuses.
Texas has paused new ERCOT approvals while a 300-project audit runs, and speculative requests now require deposits large enough for private capital to begin financing them.
For data centre builders, the nearest firm date is no longer the original August deadline.
California's November filing may show how flexible interconnection terms can be written into a tariff, while most other regions remain in stakeholder work before their large-load rules become enforceable.
