U.S. Regulators Push Grid Operator to Speed Up AI Data Center Connections

Federal regulators ordered PJM Interconnection—which manages power across 13 mid-Atlantic states—to fast-track connections for AI data centers after nine emergency grid alerts since June 2025. The grid operator announced its expedited approval process in January, with Google helping developers move projects faster. The rush reflects a genuine challenge: AI's surging electricity demand is straining grid reliability.