Today, PJM Interconnection (PJM) released its initial critical issue fast path (CIFP) proposal to address the growing power demand from data centers and other large loads in the region. In response, Evergreen Action Deputy State Policy Director Julia Kortrey released the following statement: 

“Today’s launch of the CIFP process proves that PJM apparently can move quickly when it chooses. However, PJM’s proposal falls short of tackling the broader energy affordability crisis caused by data centers growth and its own mismanagement. Swiftly addressing data center-driven demand is just one component to ensuring there will be enough energy to go around. PJM must require data centers to pull their own weight—by cutting demand when needed and delivering their own new clean, cost-effective generation that strengthens the grid for everyone. Without hard and fast requirements, higher capacity market costs from data centers will be passed onto residential customers and leave us all footing the bill.

“PJM has a responsibility to protect consumers—not safeguard the profits of utilities and entrenched industry interests. For too long, PJM’s policies have enabled industry greed, leaving consumers to pay more for less. While managing data center demand is vital, it must be paired with long-overdue action and reforms on the supply side and interconnection queue. To truly serve households across the region, PJM must take accountability for the energy affordability and resource adequacy crisis it helped create and commit to structural reforms that put people—not profits—at the heart of the grid.”