PA PUC Taps RGGI Cheerleader Synapse to Study Data Center Grid Risk
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PA PUC) has commissioned Synapse Energy Economics to study the risks that data centers pose to the state's electricity grid. Synapse is a a Massachusetts-based consulting firm known for its previous support of Pennsylvania's RGGI carbon tax.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PA PUC) has reportedly enlisted Synapse Energy Economics, a Massachusetts-based consulting firm, to conduct a study analyzing the potential risks that data centers pose to the state's electricity grid. Synapse Energy Economics is recognized for a 2023 report, commissioned by two "Big Green groups," which controversially asserted that Pennsylvania's RGGI (Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative) carbon tax would lead to reduced electric bills.
The PA PUC's decision to hire Synapse for this new study underscores a growing focus on understanding the infrastructure implications and potential strain that the expansion of data centers could place on Pennsylvania's power grid. The full article content is behind a member paywall.