A decision might be coming in June on the growing controversy over data centers and their connection to the nation’s electric grids and it could have a direct impact on Oklahoma’s questions.
Federal energy regulators say they intend to have a decision sometime in June about the government’s proposed reforms for interconnecting data centers and other large loads to the nation’s grids.
“In June, we will address the problems discussed in the ANOPR in a manner that is quick, efficient, and legally durable,” stated the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in a filing, referring to what is known as an ” advance notice of proposed rulemaking.”
“Indeed, we are eager to continue working with stakeholders to achieve the goal we share with the Secretary—i.e., ensuring that all Americans (and all American businesses) have access to affordable, reliable, and secure electricity.”
The official response came after U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued a directive last week to consider “potential reforms to ensure the timely and orderly interconnection of large loads to the transmission system.”
FERC responds to Energy Secretary’s Directive
FERC said in the filing it fully agrees with the Secretary that Commission-led efforts toward reform should be interpreted as “discouraging public utilities form making filings to address” the issues under the Federal Power Act.
FERC has made some large loads connecting to the grids, including the Southwest Power Pool which controls electrical use in Oklahoma and nearly 20 other states. The SPP has expanded its control in the past year to two and now extended to the northwestern part of the U.S.
“We appreciate the leadership demonstrated by the Secretary and the White House, and we welcome the robust and iterative conversation initiated by the ANOPR,” continued FERC in its announcement.
“As requested, the Commission and its dedicated staff have been implementing and “build[ing] upon [the ANOPR] principles” in our recent work, and our view is that the Commission and regulated parties have made meaningful progress toward addressing the urgent and important problems identified by the Secretary. But it is clear to us that further action is warranted to support further progress where it is needed.”
The concern of the power use by data centers remains a major obstacle for proposed AI manufacturers as they attempt to develop in Oklahoma. Residents often fight the data centers contending their extreme use of electrical power will result in higher rates and consumer costs as utilities focus on expansion of their abilities to create more electrical power.
Public Service Company of Oklahoma is one such utility and expressed concerns about the need to supply electricity to large load users two years ago.