On April 16, 2026, FERC announced that it will move forward with reforms to govern how large loads interconnect to the interstate transmission system, committing to take action in its pending rulemaking in Docket No. RM26‑4‑000 by the end of June 2026. In its order, FERC stated that it will address the rapid growth of large loads, including data centers, by establishing a framework to ensure that such loads can connect to the transmission system in a timely, orderly, and non‑discriminatory manner, and that it intends to do so in a way that is “quick, efficient, and legally durable.”

As background, on October 23, 2025, the Secretary of Energy issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANOPR) under Section 403 of the Department of Energy Organization Act, directing FERC to consider reforms to large load interconnection. In response to this notice, FERC stated that, given the unprecedented current and expected growth in large loads, such as data centers, there is an urgent need for reforms to ensure those loads can connect to the transmission system in a timely, orderly, and non‑discriminatory manner.

To that end, FERC noted that since the ANOPR was issued it has: (1) directed PJM to adopt transparent rules for large loads co‑located with generation; (2) approved SPP’s High Impact Large Load and High Impact Large Load Generation Assessment proposals to establish new study processes for large loads and electrically proximate generation; and (3) acted on multiple large‑load‑related tariffs and agreements, accepting many while rejecting those it concluded exceeded its jurisdiction or did not reasonably allocate costs. FERC also stated that it has reviewed more than 3,500 pages of comments in the docket, held numerous stakeholder meetings, coordinated with federal partners, and monitored other developments related to large loads, including actions by the National Energy Dominance Council, the PJM Statement of Principles, and the President’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge.

FERC stated that additional action is warranted and explained that its forthcoming order, expected by the end of June 2026, will translate the issues identified in the ANOPR and the record into standards for processing large-load interconnection requests. FERC also stated that Commission-led reforms, including those it will announce in June, should not be understood as discouraging public utilities from making filings under Federal Power Act (FPA) section 205, and reiterated that it remains ready to act on filings under FPA sections 205 and 206.

In her comments supporting FERC’s announcement, Chairman Laura V. Swett emphasized that “[o]ur nation stands at a pivotal moment as we face rapid growth in demand from data centers and other large-scale consumers that are reshaping our transmission landscape,” and explained that FERC is “addressing this challenge head-on, working tirelessly and collaboratively with stakeholders and federal partners to deliver real solutions.”

A copy of FERC’s order, issued in Docket No. RM26-4-000, can be found here.