PJM members this week were set to vote on a proposal addressing how the regional grid operator should manage large new electrical loads, particularly data centers. The action follows PJM’s use of the Critical Issue Fast Path process, launched Aug. 8, 2025, to develop new rules for accommodating rapid load growth.

After months of stakeholder input, PJM withdrew an earlier plan that would have required data centers to interconnect as non–capacity-backed load, subjecting them to mandatory curtailment during peak hours. PJM is now pursuing a voluntary approach known as “price responsive demand,” which would encourage large users to reduce consumption during grid stress.

Last week, state legislators in the PJM footprint submitted a “Protecting Ratepayers Proposal” urging stricter requirements, including mandatory service interruptions for data centers until they add their own generation. The surge in large-load requests nationwide has placed new pressure on grid operators as they work to balance reliability, cost and economic growth. 11/20/2025