The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has directed the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) to develop new reliability rules for integrating large computational loads, such as AI data centers and cryptocurrency facilities, into the US power grid by the end of 2026. The goal is to ensure the growing demand for electricity from these facilities does not threaten grid reliability.
NERC is already working on a Large Loads Action Plan, which includes creating enforceable reliability standards and registry criteria. Draft proposals are expected to be released for public comment in August, with final recommendations submitted to FERC by the end of 2026. FERC also asked NERC to prepare a work plan for additional standards by March 2027, highlighting the ongoing effort to manage the rapid growth of computational electricity demand.
