PJM Interconnection has accepted 715 generation projects totaling more than 200 gigawatts into the first cycle of its redesigned interconnection framework.
The redesign is intended to curb speculative applications, compress study timelines, and improve confidence that queued projects get built. PJM's "first-ready, first-served" model requires developers to demonstrate site control, submit technical data, and make substantial financial commitments before entering study. New AI-enabled review tools are also being deployed.
The stakes are considerable. PJM projects demand across its 13-state footprint could climb by as much as 70 GW by 2038, driven largely by data centers and other energy-intensive users.
Projects accepted include:
- 314 storage; 147 natural gas; 117 solar; 61 wind; 37 solar-storage hybrid; 24 nuclear; and 15 hydro and other technologies.
- Natural gas leads expected nameplate capacity at nearly 100 GW, followed by storage at 60 GW and nuclear at 17.3 GW.
Who pays for the transmission serving that load is now before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. A complaint from the Maryland Office of People's Counsel argues PJM's cost-allocation methodology spreads major transmission investment across a broad customer base even when growth concentrates in a handful of markets. The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel has joined the coalition seeking changes.
Industry groups, including the Data Center Coalition, contend that regional transmission investments provide system-wide reliability and economic benefits. They warn that assigning costs primarily to large-load customers could discourage investment, delay infrastructure development, and increase overall project costs.
Although Virginia remains the epicenter of PJM's data center expansion, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois are also experiencing significant growth in large-load development. FERC may decide the matter based on the existing record or initiate additional proceedings before issuing a final ruling.
