FERC orders accelerate large‑load grid connections across US

On June 18, 2026, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued six show‑cause orders to each of the six Regional Transmission Organizations and Independent System Operators under its jurisdiction. The orders direct the entities to justify or reform their rules governing the interconnection of large loads of 20 MW or more—such as data centers and manufacturing facilities—to speed integration onto the electric grid.

The orders do not change tariffs but aim to standardize study processes, introduce co‑location incentives, provide curtailment flexibility, assign full upgrade‑cost responsibility to the large load, and protect system reliability. FERC says the actions will affect about 200 million Americans in over 30 states and the District of Columbia, covering nearly two‑thirds of electricity load served under its jurisdiction. The measures follow the Department of Energy’s October 2025 advance notice of proposed rulemaking that outlined fourteen guiding principles for reform, and they are intended to safeguard consumers from cost shifting while supporting the innovation economy, the global AI race, and the reshoring of manufacturing jobs.