# FERC Orders Six U.S. Grid Operators to Overhaul Power Rules for AI Data Centers

*2026-06-21 06:02 UTC · Technology · 1 min read*

> FERC unanimously ordered six regional grid operators to rework power connection rules for AI data centers within 60 days, covering 200 million Americans.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued show-cause orders to six major regional grid operators, giving them 60 days to justify current electricity connection rules or propose new ones for large power users like AI data centers. The orders, approved unanimously on June 18, cover PJM Interconnection, MISO, Southwest Power Pool, California ISO, ISO New England, and New York ISO — operators collectively serving roughly 200 million Americans across more than 30 states.

AI data centers increasingly demand hundreds of megawatts to gigawatt-scale power commitments, far outpacing what existing grid infrastructure and planning rules can accommodate. FERC Chair Laura V. Swett said the commission aims to deliver "speed to power" for large energy users while protecting residential ratepayers from cost shifts driven by industrial-scale grid upgrades. The five areas grid operators must address include faster interconnection study processes, transparent cost allocation, co-location rules for behind-the-meter generation, new services for flexible large loads, and generation study reforms.

The action stems from a directive Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued in October 2025, calling on FERC to modernize interconnection rules for large loads. Texas's ERCOT grid, which operates independently from the national system, is not subject to the orders.

## Sources

- [backend.theenergymag.com](https://backend.theenergymag.com/news/2026-06-19/united-states-fast-track-ai-data-center/)
- [blog.hdata.com](https://blog.hdata.com/2026-ferc-rulemaking-large-loads)
- [cryptobriefing.com](https://cryptobriefing.com/ferc-data-center-grid-connection-ruling/)

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TechTools News · https://techtools.cz/tools/news/article/1867-ferc-orders-six-u-s-grid-operators-to-overhaul-power-rules-for-ai-data-centers
Česká verze: https://techtools.cz/tools/news/clanek/1940-ferc-naridil-sesti-americkym-provozovatelum-siti-prepracovat-pravidla-pro