Thursday, November 5, 2026

PUC Updates Comment Schedule On New Tools To Manage Data Centers During Emergency Periods Of Strained Electricity Supplies And Curtailments To Maintain Grid Reliability; Nov. 17 Technical Conference On Data Center Costs

The
Public Utility Commission published notice in the October 17 PA Bulletin inviting comments on proposed safeguards aimed at protecting Pennsylvania consumers and preserving electric reliability during periods when electricity supplies may be strained.

The notice was based on an October 1 Tentative Order that set a schedule for the PUC to accept comments on the propose regulations.  Read more here.

On November 5, the Public Utility Commission approved a Clarification Order updating its October 1 order revising the public comment schedule.

The clarification also reflects a recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) decision that rejected portions of a PJM Interconnection proposal related to its Interim Resource Adequacy Service (IRAS) framework. 

As a result, the PUC is no longer seeking comment on proposed pre-emergency curtailment provisions tied specifically to IRAS.

The Commission will continue seeking stakeholder input on proposed changes to electric distribution company emergency load-control procedures, including how utilities should manage large electric loads during grid emergencies when electricity demand threatens to exceed available supply. 

The proposal continues to focus on ensuring that critical facilities and essential public services remain protected during emergency conditions.

Revised Comment Schedule

The PUC said comments will now be due 20 days after publication of the Clarification Order in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, with reply comments due 30 days after publication. Full details are included in the Clarification Order.

The Clarification Order will be published sometime in the coming weeks.

Documents related to this action can be found at PUC Docket No.: M-2026-3064961.

Click Here for the PUC announcement.

Nov. 17 Technical Conference

The PUC is also examining the allocation of costs associated with large computational loads at a Technical Conference scheduled for Nov. 17 to gather input from utilities, consumer advocates, large-load customers and other stakeholders.

Together, these efforts are focused on a common goal: allowing Pennsylvania to respond to economic growth and rapidly changing electricity demand while safeguarding existing customers and preserving reliable electric service.

Visit the PUC's Technical Conference webpage for more information.

Resource Link:

-- PUC Invites Comments On Regulations To Give Electric Utilities New Tools To Manage Data Centers During Emergency Periods Of Strained Electricity Supplies And Curtailments To Maintain Grid Reliability [PaEN] 

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-- Shapiro Administration: PJM Interconnection Selects 3 PA Projects In Expedited Program To Add 1.7 GW Of Generation, Energy Storage To Grid; DEP Accepting New Proposals By Nov. 16  [PaEN]   

-- PUC Updates Comment Schedule On New Tools To Manage Data Centers During Emergency Periods Of Strained Electricity Supplies And Curtailments To Maintain Grid Reliability; Nov. 17 Technical Conference On Data Center Costs  [PaEN] 

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[Posted: November 5, 2026]  PA Environment Digest

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