FERC Orders Six Grid Operators to Speed AI Data Center Interconnection

The U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on June 18, 2026, unanimously issued show cause orders directing six major regional grid operators, including PJM and MISO, to justify or reform their tariff rules to accelerate transmission interconnection for large loads such as data centers. The action, taken under Section 206 of the Federal Power Act, squarely targets the lengthening interconnection queues caused by surging AI infrastructure demand. According to FERC's announcement, the orders cover PJM, MISO, SPP, CAISO, ISO-NE and NYISO.