Who the FERC is ready? Grading grid readiness for large loads

CALGARY, Alberta (Aug. 12, 2026) - Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, has released a new report grading grid readiness for large loads assessing how prepared U.S. regional grid operators are to connect large loads following the release of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) large-load order in June 2026.

EIR estimates that 62 GW of new U.S. data center capacity will come online through 2030, while existing load-interconnection processes were not designed for demand growth at this scale or pace. The report evaluates regional readiness across five areas identified by FERC, including application and study processes, cost allocation, co-location and behind-the-meter generation, flexible-load services and processes for generation serving nearby or co-located loads.

EIR's analysis finds that SPP is the only region with FERC-approved large-load tariffs and currently offers the most flexible pathway to faster grid access. However, SPP represents only about 5% of the identified high-confidence project pipeline. By comparison, PJM and MISO each contain approximately 12 GW of projects but remain short of full alignment with FERC's broader reform framework, leaving proposed developments exposed to unresolved interconnection, reliability and cost-allocation requirements.

SPP's framework includes conditional, non-firm transmission service that may allow qualifying large loads to connect more quickly while accepting defined curtailment risk. PJM has made progress through its co-location framework, although several provisions remain directed or only partially approved. MISO has proposed measures addressing on-site generation, network-upgrade funding and staged firm service, but those measures have not yet been incorporated into its tariff.

"Large-load development is concentrating in markets where key interconnection and cost-allocation rules are still evolving. SPP's finalized framework gives developers greater visibility into the regulatory pathway, while projects in PJM and MISO continue to carry timing and cost risks that may not yet be fully reflected in development plans," said Juan Arteaga, associate at EIR.

Key takeaways:

• EIR estimates 62 GW of new U.S. data center capacity will come online through 2030.
• SPP is the only assessed region with FERC-approved large-load tariffs and offers the most developed pathway for connecting large loads and associated generation.
• PJM has approximately 11.8 GW high-confidence pipeline; 58% is expected to be served behind the meter.
• MISO has an approximately 11.6 GW pipeline; 78% is grid-connected, increasing its exposure to future tariff and network-upgrade cost changes.
• Despite having the most advanced framework, SPP accounts for only about 5% of the identified high-confidence project pipeline.

EIR's analysis pulls from a variety of products including Enverus ONE™

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About Enverus Intelligence® Research
Enverus Intelligence ® | Research, Inc. (EIR) is a subsidiary of Enverus that publishes energy-sector research focused on the oil, natural gas, power and renewable industries. EIR publishes reports including asset and company valuations, resource assessments, technical evaluations and macro-economic forecasts; and helps make intelligent connections for energy industry participants, service companies and capital providers worldwide. Enverus is the most trusted, energy-dedicated SaaS company, with a platform built to create value from generative AI, offering real-time access to analytics, insights and benchmark cost and revenue data sourced from our partnerships to 95% of U.S. energy producers, and more than 40,000 suppliers. Learn more at Enverus.com.