BlockBeats News, June 19, the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on Thursday directed grid operators to expedite interconnection requests from data centers and other large electricity users. Under the order, the six major grid operators must demonstrate that data centers can "interconnect to the transmission system in a timely and orderly manner." Data centers are required to bear the costs associated with interconnection. The decision was approved unanimously by the commissioners.

FERC also opened up space for grid technology startups, directing grid operators to consider "alternative transmission technologies." Although not explicitly mentioned, this directive may cover technologies such as solid-state transformers or superconductive transmission lines.

Currently, grid operators must submit a report within 30 days explaining whether they have available generation redundancy capacity (if any). They must also "defend or revise the tariff structures for their respective regions" within 60 days. Furthermore, FERC instructed grid operators to further support data centers in using "behind-the-meter resources" (i.e., customer-side self-generation/self-supply).

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