Federal Regulators Reject PJM Proposal to Shut Down Data Centers During Grid Emergencies
Federal energy regulators rejected PJM’s proposal to require data centers in Maryland and surrounding states to shut down during imminent power-supply emergencies. The proposal was intended to help protect grid reliability during periods of severe strain.
Federal energy regulators rejected a PJM Interconnection proposal that would have allowed or required data centers in Maryland and the surrounding region to be shut off when the electric grid approached a power-supply emergency. PJM operates the grid serving Maryland, Washington, D.C., and 12 other states.
The proposal was one of two data center-related regulatory measures PJM submitted for federal approval in August. Its rejection leaves the proposed emergency-shutdown guardrail unapproved as concerns continue over the effect of large data center loads on regional grid reliability.