Maryland Challenges $2 Billion Grid Upgrade Costs for AI Data Centers
The Maryland Office of People’s Counsel (OPC) has filed a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) against PJM Interconnection, LLC, the largest electricity transmission company in the U.S. The complaint concerns a $2 billion charge to Maryland for grid upgrades intended to support increased demand from data centers, particularly those utilizing AI systems. This charge is part of a broader $22 billion infrastructure upgrade by PJM, which covers 13 states and Washington, D.C. Maryland argues that the cost allocation is unfair, as the state's projected growth does not match that of other states with more data center projects. The OPC claims that Maryland consumers will face an additional $1.6 billion in costs over the next decade, impacting residential, commercial, and industrial customers significantly.