PJM proposes auction backstop to address capacity shortfall from data center surge

PJM Interconnection filed a plan with FERC to fill anticipated capacity gaps as data center demand is expected to grow 70 GW by 2038, shifting responsibility to states and utilities to protect retail customers from cost impacts.

First covered Aug 3, 2026 · 5:22 AM PT · 2 articles · no longer in the live window

PJM proposes auction backstop to address capacity shortfall from data center surge — Image via canarymedia.com

Coverage

52d Canary Media PJM’s big new data center plan: Make the states figure it out — PJM Interconnection, the biggest grid operator in the U.S., has finally settled on a plan to prevent data centers from causing other customers’ utility bills…

54d Utility Dive PJM files backstop auction plan at FERC to meet capacity shortfall — The proposal aims to fill a capacity shortfall driven by surging data center demand, which could grow by 70 GW by 2038, according to the PJM Interconnection.

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More coverage from around the web

natlawreview.com PJM’s Proposal to FERC Targets Data Centers and Other Large Load Customers

tdworld.com PJM Board Seeks FERC Approval on Data Center Curtailments Amid Grid Capacity Concerns | TD World

thelogicalinsight.com PJM Plans Backstop Auction for 6.8 GW Shortfall, Curtailment for Data Centers | The Logical Insight

introl.com PJM's 6GW Capacity Shortfall | Introl Blog

introl.com PJM Grid 6GW Shortfall: 2027 Data Center Power Crisis | Introl Blog

Appeared in: 2026-08-03 (#3) · 2026-08-04 (#4) · 2026-08-05 (#7)

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