US energy authorities have instructed power companies to accelerate power supply to data centers.
The U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has ordered power grid operators to consider new protocols for quickly connecting very large energy-consuming facilities, such as data centers, to the power grid.
Grid operators are ordered to speed power to energy-hungry AI data centers | AP News
Top US energy regulator pushes grids to overhaul data center power rules | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/top-us-energy-regulator-pushes-grids-overhaul-data-center-power-rules-2026-06-18/
The draft 'Explanatory Order' prepared by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission would instruct the six regional power grids under its jurisdiction to justify or revise their power supply processes to large electricity consumers. Power grid operators and owners of power grids would have 60 days from the order to explain why the current rules are justified or whether they plan to make changes.
Existing regulations have not been adequate to address the enormous power demand generated by AI infrastructure, and in some areas, connecting to the power grid can take several years. The new directive will pave the way for large-scale power-consuming facilities to connect to the power grid more quickly.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission explained that the purpose of the order is 'to accelerate data center connectivity while minimizing the impact on the stability of the power grid and the electricity prices of Americans.'
The directive encourages a new framework for large-scale electricity consumers to secure their own power sources, such as by building their own power plants. It also strongly urges power grid operators to introduce advanced technologies to make existing infrastructure more efficient.
Meta launches 'Talent Development Academy,' a short-term program offering free training in data center construction, investing $115 million and guaranteeing employment at Meta construction sites upon graduation - GIGAZINE
Members of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission unanimously supported the proposal. Chair Laura Sweat called the vote 'historic,' stating that it 'advances the national electricity market into the future while respecting the rights of states, maintaining a reliable power supply, and ensuring that the cost of grid connection for large power users is not passed on to ordinary consumers.'
While technology companies continue to expand construction and capital investment in data centers, there is also evidence that projects are stalling due to obstacles such as construction delays, permitting delays, opposition from local residents, and shortages of parts and skilled workers.
A 20 trillion yen construction project has been delayed or halted in three months due to protests against data centers - GIGAZINE
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