Steven Shparber, Mintz Member, was quoted in a recent Law360 article covering U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s proposal urging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish standardized procedures for interconnecting data centers and other large loads to the grid. The proposal argues that such interconnections fall squarely within FERC’s jurisdiction and are critical to supporting domestic manufacturing and AI innovation.

Steven, a former FERC attorney, noted that several aspects of the DOE’s proposal could benefit both the grid and developers. “Agreeing to be curtailable and dispatchable would give data centers and other large loads a way to accelerate their interconnection in exchange for providing value to the grid,” he said. He also emphasized the importance of protecting ratepayers by requiring large loads to pay 100% of their assigned grid upgrade costs. “I believe the issue that FERC will have to grapple with the most is how far it goes with respect to accommodating states’ interests,” Steven added.

Source

Law360