PJM Revises Plan to Deal with AI Data Center Connection Requests

Last week, MDN told you that there was a disagreement brewing between those who operate the PJM Interconnection power grid and Big Tech, including Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and others, regarding the issue of adding data centers to the PJM grid (see Is PJM Giving Data Centers the Heisman with Connection Proposal?). PJM proposed a fast-track stakeholder process in August to develop rules by the end of the year for interconnecting data centers to its system while ensuring the region has enough power supplies. The draft proposal would treat new data centers over 50 megawatts (MW) as “non-capacity-backed load” (or NCBL). Under the proposal, PJM could curtail (reduce or cut off) power deliveries to data centers with NCBL status before the grid operator moves to pre-emergency load curtailments for other electricity users. Big Tech didn't like it and made its displeasure known. PJM revised its initial draft and released a new version on Monday.

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