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Chairman Swett outlined two headline actions: (1) FERC notified DOE it will act on the data center/large-load ANOPR but needs "a little more time" to nail down federal-vs-state jurisdiction lines, and (2) a "monster-sized" enforcement order against American Efficient — "one of the largest and most brazen frauds in FERC history" — for faking energy efficiency resources to extract PJM and MISO capacity payments. PJM/MISO market monitors surfaced the fraud. Swett also closed a demand response opt-out proceeding (respecting state jurisdiction) and signaled NEPA/ESA review is "everything on the table."
Two blockbuster off-agenda actions: FERC will "act in June" on the data center/large-load ANOPR, and imposed a record **$722 million civil penalty** on American Efficient for capacity-market fraud in PJM and MISO — Commissioner LaCerte requested a **criminal referral**. On the agenda: PJM's co-location compliance filing accepted in part / rejected in part (second filing and paper-hearing still under review). PJM Order 2023 compliance directed to add cost-sharing detail and **earlier consideration of grid-enhancing technologies**. Readiness deposit waiver denied — refunding would shift "tens of millions" to other queue participants. Rosner dissented on closing the demand response opt-out NOI.
DOE Secretary Chris Wright defended using Section 202C emergency powers to keep 17 GW of baseload generation online, announced a $26 billion loan to Southern Company to expand grid capacity, and confirmed DOE is recruiting a new BPA administrator to fix "delays in expanding transmission capacity" and the "interconnection queue." He set a target of 400 GW nuclear by 2050 and said DOE approved 19 Bcf/d of new LNG exports. Democrats pressed him on grant terminations, energy rebate delays, and rising electricity costs — Ranking Member Kaptur said Ohio electricity prices "have doubled."
26 items voted unanimously. Chairman Swett highlighted approval of SPP's consolidated planning process (CPP) combining transmission planning and generator interconnection — first of its kind. Key items: New England ROE complaints resolved (E1, 300+ pages); cybersecurity reliability standards for virtualization, low-impact CIP, and BES cyber systems (E2-E4); EQR modernization final rule (E5); RWE complaint vs PJM denied on interconnection costs (E6); Rio Grande LNG terminal reaffirmed (C1); Golden Triangle Spindletop gas storage expansion (C2). Commissioner LaCerte acknowledged Iran conflict and White House ratepayer protection pledge. State of the Markets presentation covered 2025 developments.
The Commission voted on 19 orders, all unanimous. Chairman Swett opened with extended remarks on PJM, emphasizing urgency for 67 million Americans. The Commission rescinded the WECC bilateral spot market soft price cap, withdrew a long-pending oil pipeline policy statement, adopted TVA categorical exclusions for hydropower, and upheld removal of gas construction delays during rehearing. Staff presented on OERA market surveillance and NERC's Long-Term Reliability Assessment.
75 notational orders issued since December. Topics included PJM reforms, interconnection, data center load, BTM co-location, and gas infrastructure.
Chairman Swett's inaugural meeting. Commissioner LaCerte's first meeting. Extended remarks from all commissioners on priorities including interconnection, data centers, co-location, transmission, and permitting reform.
Acting Chairman Rosner presiding. Topics included Order 2023 compliance, co-location, transmission, permitting, and hydropower.
Acting Chairman Rosner presiding. Key items included PJM co-location orders, interconnection, data center load policies, and capacity market reforms. Commissioner Chang concurred with a separate statement.
Chairman Christie presiding. Topics included PJM reforms, Order 2023 compliance, Order 1920 transmission planning, gas infrastructure, hydropower, and NARUC coordination.
Full-day technical conference on co-location of large loads (primarily data centers) at existing generating facilities. Multiple panels examined whether co-located loads require wholesale transmission or ancillary services, cost allocation issues, and reliability/affordability/market impacts.
Key topics included PJM capacity market, Order 2023 interconnection reforms, data center load growth, transmission planning, and NARUC coordination.
Chairman Phillips opened on a somber note about two FERC staff lost in traffic incidents. Topics included PJM reforms, interconnection, transmission, reliability, gas infrastructure, and winter storm monitoring.