FERC’s large-load proceedings: what data center partners should know

On June 18, 2026, FERC opened proceedings under Section 206 of the Federal Power Act for all six FERC-jurisdictional regional grid operators. Each operator and relevant transmission owners were asked to defend their existing tariffs or propose changes. Accommodating co-location and behind-the-meter generation is one of five reform areas. FERC’s June announcement.

The 60-day deadline was not the end of the process.

The initial response period was extended. As of the latest verified orders and reports, responses are due November 16, 2026 for PJM, MISO, NYISO, CAISO and ISO New England; SPP’s date is November 20. Qualifying Section 205 filings can suspend the filing respondent’s separate show-cause response obligation.

PJM has a separate co-location track.

A December 18, 2025 order directed clearer tariff rules for loads connected with generation. A June 18, 2026 follow-on order accepted some revisions, rejected others and required further compliance. Certain deadlines were later extended to November 16. A requested tariff effective date is not proof that FERC has accepted the filing.

For a data center partner and hydro owner, the practical question remains specific: what do the applicable utility and regional tariffs require for the actual plant, new load and continued exports? The federal proceedings also do not answer the separate state rules on supplying power to an on-site partner, hydropower-license obligations or cooling-permit questions.

Primary references

• PJM filings and orders: EL26-67 and co-location compliance
• SPP: August 14 abeyance order
• NYISO: August 14 order
• MISO: October 8 status report
• CAISO: September 21 order
• ISO New England: September 21 order
• PJM: December 2025 FERC order and June 2026 follow-on order

This is a dated review of verified primary sources, not an exhaustive docket audit or a project-specific legal determination.