AI data centers just got a government-mandated fast lane to the grid
TechCrunch·June 18, 2026
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has instructed grid operators to prioritize data centers, including those used for artificial intelligence, when it comes to interconnections. This move is expected to expedite the process of connecting these centers to the power grid. However, FERC's decision does not address the underlying issue of electricity supply shortages, which may still pose a challenge for data centers. As a result, data centers may still face uncertainty regarding their energy supply despite having a faster connection process.
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