Utilities seek federal pause on grid bidding amid AI-driven power demand

A coalition of electrical utilities, led by the “Grid Acceleration Coalition” and including major Wisconsin players Xcel Energy and American Transmission Company (ATC), has filed a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). They are seeking an exemption for some major grid upgrades from competitive bidding rules, arguing that current processes add months to project timelines, which threatens the country's ability to meet the massive energy demands of the AI-driven data center boom and achieve AI dominance. National and statewide ratepayer advocacy groups, including the Wisconsin Citizens Utility Board, have reacted with alarm. Executive Director Tom Content stated that utilities are