PUCO urges FERC to require PJM to focus on data centers and leave traditional manufacturers alone

COLUMBUS, OHIO (Sept. 3, 2026) – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio today submitted comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) about PJM Interconnection’s proposal which would require new large electricity consumers to bring their own new power supply or risk being prioritized to have their power reduced or shut off during times of grid stress.

The PUCO’s comments highlight that FERC should limit the definition of “new large load” to data centers and cryptocurrency miners only and exclude traditional manufacturers.

“As Ohio and America work to onshore and expand domestic manufacturing, it is counterproductive to place additional constraints on traditional manufacturers and other non-data center large loads,” stated PUCO Chair Jenifer French.

FERC is currently considering a proposal from PJM Interconnection called “Interim Resource Adequacy Service” that would require new large loads connecting to the grid after June 1, 2027, to have their own generating capacity, or risk having their power turned off during times of grid stress. The proposal defines new large loads based upon simple load size which would include non-data center customers, such as traditional manufacturing.

READ PUCO’s COMMENTS

Today’s comments build upon comments submitted to FERC on Aug. 21, 2026 about PJM’s “reliability backstop procurement” process to make up for capacity shortfalls for the June 2028-May 2029 delivery year, in which the PUCO identified that data center customers should wholly be responsible for these costs.

Read more about PUCO’s efforts to ensure data centers, not other customers, are paying for the costs they impose on the electric grid at PUCO.ohio.gov/datacenters

Today’s comments are filed in FERC docket ER26-3515-000.

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The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is the sole agency charged with regulating public utility service. The role of the PUCO is to assure all residential, business and industrial consumers have access to adequate, safe and reliable utility services at fair prices while facilitating an environment that provides competitive choices. Consumers with utility-related questions or concerns can call the PUCO Call Center at (800) 686-PUCO (7826) and speak with a representative. 

For additional information, contact: Matt Schilling | (614) 466-7750