Buckle up, kids. @ENERGY is directing @FERC to assume jurisdiction over the interconnection of data center loads and others >20 MWs to the transmission grid, superseding state authorities in this realm. (And fwiw, that is probably not the worst idea!)
At present, interconnecting new power generation (a federal process) and new large loads (a state process) is badly uncoordinated. This would allow it to work in tandem.
Aligning these two processes seems important: Why would a data center agree to sign up to bring a new generator online, if the data center itself didn't know when it'd be online, or vice versa? (This is today a main advantage of Texas, with 1 regulator for it all)
This proposal, made under a seldom-used authority of the DOE Rerganization Act (Sec 403), makes clear it 1. does not affect the provisions of retail sales, so not broadly "deregulatory" in that space; & 2. that "distribution" facilities are unaffected
Utilities will oppose this & they'll seek to make it a dead letter by saying there is always *some* part of interconnection that is "distribution" (not "transmission"), thus retaining a parochial claim to their gatekeeper status. If DOE/FERC are serious, pay attention thereto!
.@ENERGY is asking @FERC for a final rule by Apr 30, 2026 (light speed as far as that agency's regulatory process). Here's the full letter and Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking from @SecretaryWright https://www.energy.gov/sites/d...