PJM Interconnection Proposes Curtailing Power to New Large Data Centers During Shortages
PJM Interconnection, the grid operator for 13 states and Washington, D.C., has requested federal regulators to approve new rules that would prioritize cutting power to large new data centers during electricity supply shortages. This proposal, filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), comes after two consecutive capacity auctions failed to secure sufficient generation. PJM projects a significant increase of approximately 70 GW in new large load demand by 2038, while about 15 GW of generation has been retired since 2022. The proposed 'Interim Resource Adequacy Service' would specifically target new loads of 50 MW or more at a single site that connect without providing their own generation or securing an alternative supply by June 1, 2027. Existing facilities would not be affected. These new data centers would face curtailment before PJM implements 'Pre-Emergency Load Management,' which involves paying other customers to reduce consumption during grid stress. An associated 'Large Load Regist... 
