U.S. Secretary of Energy directs FERC to standardize large-load interconnections

🔋 DOE Directs FERC to Accelerate Interconnection for Large Loads & Hybrid Facilities On October 23, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright invoked authority under Section 403 of the DOE Organization Act to direct FERC to act on reforms that streamline how large loads and hybrid facilities are studied and interconnected to the grid. 🔗 Read the announcement https://lnkd.in/g2J6zqeE Why This Matters This directive underscores growing federal recognition that large, flexible, and hybrid loads, such as AI datacenters and co-located generation assets, are becoming critical components of grid planning and reliability. It also signals movement toward faster interconnection timelines, clearer study frameworks, and more equitable cost allocation , all essential to accelerating electrification and digital infrastructure growth. Relyion Energy’s Perspective At Relyion Energy, we’ve long advocated that data center load-side flexibility is as vital as AI growth. We view this as a pivotal moment to align policy, technology, and market mechanisms that enable data centers and other high-demand facilities to become active grid assets — enhancing reliability, not burdening it. Follow us for updates as we continue shaping how large-scale compute and grid resilience evolve together. #EnergyPolicy #DatacenterFlexibility #FERC #DOE #Datacenters #EnergyTransition #RelyionEnergy

This directive reinforces what we’ve been building. Enabling large loads to actively support grid reliability. The future of datacenter power is flexible, responsive, and connected. #RelyionEnergy #GridInterconnection #EnergyTransition #DatacenterFlexibility

It’s an exciting time to be working at the intersection of grid modernization and technology. I recently shared some thoughts with @The University of Chicago Booth School of Business on what it will take to strengthen the U.S. power grid amid rapid electrification, AI growth, and surging data center demand. The challenge utilities face is clear: they’re being asked to keep the grid reliable, affordable, and decarbonized, all at once. To do that, we can’t rely solely on traditional infrastructure investments. We need to unlock more value from the grid we already have. Advanced power flow control, load balancing, and optimization tools can extend the life of existing assets and defer costly upgrades—while improving reliability where it matters most: the distribution system. Of course, technology alone isn’t enough. Real progress depends on how utilities plan, operate, and train teams to integrate these solutions effectively. Change management is as critical as innovation itself. Grateful to be part of this important conversation alongside other Booth Alumni energy experts. 🔗 Read the full article from UChicago Booth: https://lnkd.in/gSMPHd8c #GridModernization #EnergyTransition #SmartGrid #ElectricUtilities #SwitchedSource

Federal push for standardized large-load (including co-located generation) interconnection could be a game changer if adopted, it could also create interconnection process chaos...   In a groundbreaking move, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has formally directed FERC to initiate rulemaking for large-load interconnections (>20 MW), a first-of-its-kind effort to bring major electricity consumers like AI data centers, industrial hubs, and hybrid energy generation sites under a federal framework.   The proposal aims to standardize how large loads connect to the interstate grid and ensure transparency, reliability, and non-discriminatory access. Notably, renewables-powered and hybrid facilities are fully included, marking a major step toward integrated grid planning.   If enacted, this could reshape the federal-state balance in electricity regulation and redefine how the next generation of high-demand and hybrid-powered projects connect to the grid.   #AI #Energy

$1.1 trillion That’s how much U.S. electric companies plan to invest over the next five years to modernize and expand the nation’s energy infrastructure — one of the largest capital deployments in decades. For 2025 alone, the industry is on pace to invest nearly $208 billion. There are currently 91 GW of new capacity under construction, and 488 GW planned or proposed over the next five years. This investment isn’t just about the grid. It’s about powering the future: ⚡ The surge of data centers and AI workloads. 🏭 The electrification of manufacturing and transport. 🌍 The transition to a more resilient, low-carbon economy. ⚙️ National security & resilience. The Edison Electric Institute’s latest report highlights a transformation that will shape the backbone of innovation — because every kilowatt of progress starts with reliable infrastructure. Strengthening America’s Energy Infrastructure to Increase Reliability & Lower Costs (www.eei.org) #EnergyInfrastructure #AI #Electrification #Grid #Sustainability #Innovation

⚡ Federal Push to Accelerate Large-Load Interconnections — The U.S. Department of Energy has directed FERC to launch rulemaking to speed up transmission interconnections for major new loads — including AI and data centers. This formal step underscores the urgency of planning for a grid built to handle digital-era demand. For transmission operators, opportunity and obligation now converge: expand capacity, enhance agility, and enable growth responsibly. #EnergyTransition #GridInfrastructure #Innovation #ESG #Leadership #ResponsibleBusiness #Sustainability https://lnkd.in/gNZfZznW

ICYMI, Utility Dive article covering Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Commissioner Lindsay See's keynote remarks at our Fall Member Meeting. "'I don’t want to be the one who is stifling innovation and new changes that we’re seeing happen,' See said. 'I really approach that as trying to be in listening mode a lot to figure out where would guidance and uniformity be helpful for the industry … and where is it potentially a hindrance.' The incentives FERC gives for transmission development are 'an incredible tool' that can help the agency meet its goal of ensuring reliable and affordable power, according to See. 'We’re at a time where we need electrons to be able to get where they need to in an efficient and a cost effective manner, and that’s going to require new investments and new development, and we need that quickly,' See said. 'Incentives can play a really powerful role in moving that forward.'" https://lnkd.in/eVmXRMnP Story by Ethan Howland #transmission #AI #loadgrowth #datacenters

⚡ Energy infrastructure is unsexy, complex, and investors aren't attracted to it. Too blue collar and gritty for those that like shiny and edgy... ➡️ Two new data centers designed for the world’s most power-hungry computing workloads are standing empty in Santa Clara as they wait for electricity. ➡️ Satya Nadella said "The biggest issue we are now having is not a compute glut, but it's the power and...the ability to get the builds done fast enough close to power." ➡️ The state of Virginia would need to double current power imports from other states and still need to build new fossil-gas power plants, potentially more than the 5.9GW of gas plants that Dominion Energy plans to build. 💰 While trillions is pouring into AI, hyperscale, edge computing, and chip manufacturing... the investment upstream of the power demand (transmission pipelines, electrical distribution grid, and gas processing and storage) isn't seeing the same tailwinds. Without new investment and focus on modernizing our gas and electrical infrastructure, investors may see their trillions stranded. #power #electricity #oilandgas #naturalgas #infrastructure #buildbabybuild

CPower's record year — providing 38 gigawatt-hours of support to the U.S. grid so far — marks a defining moment for Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). As CEO Michael Smith told Latitude Media: “VPPs are having a bit of a moment right now. We’ve been doing this for a long time, but finally you’re seeing the recognition that this is a hugely important piece of the energy transition puzzle.   ”From helping utilities meet rising demand to enabling the next generation of data centers, our intelligent, distributed energy platform is proving what’s possible when technology and partnership come together to strengthen the grid."   Read more from Latitude Media: https://lnkd.in/e_UBHSpf   #EnergyTransition #VirtualPowerPlants #GridReliability

Our recent Fall Member Meeting panel discussion on Aging Transmission: Affordability and Resilience, brought together industry experts to explore how we can balance modernization with asset longevity. Key takeaways from the conversation: ⚡ Transmission infrastructure delivers critical economic and societal value, serving as the backbone of reliability and growth. ⚡ Many grid assets have operated beyond their traditionally considered 30–50 year lifespans. We need to rethink what is the true life span of an asset, which is closer to 100 years, and what can be done to prolong the tenure of this critical infrastructure. ⚡ While modernizing and expanding the grid is essential, utilities are also finding new ways to extend the life and enhance the performance of existing assets through upgrades and advanced transmission technology. ⚡ Existing transmission corridors are a gift — offering valuable opportunities to build upon established pathways and accelerate expansion. ⚡ Capitalized life extension is a growing trend to improve affordability and sustainability while maintaining reliability. ⚡ Regulatory innovation should incentivize solutions with the lowest life cycle cost. Thank you to our expert panelists, pictured (L-R): 🔹 Ben Lanz, APC Media LLC - Moderator 🔹 Vandan Divatia, Eversource Energy 🔹 Jose Villalba, Osmose 🔹 Raymond Gifford, Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP A recording of the discussion is now available on the Fall Member Meeting page: https://lnkd.in/eex5ZZsD #transmission #gridassets #criticalinfrastructure #resilientgrid #gridreliability #stronggrid #grid #AI #datacenters