The US Secretary of Energy has urged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish new regulations that will expedite the process for large electricity consumers, such as AI data centers and Bitcoin mining operations, to connect directly to the power grid.
In a letter released on Thursday, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright requested that the FERC, the independent agency responsible for regulating the interstate electricity grid, implement expedited reviews and standardized procedures for large electricity users seeking direct connections to the high-voltage transmission system, rather than solely relying on local power lines.
The high-voltage transmission system possesses a greater voltage capacity compared to local lines and is typically utilized by substantial industrial facilities that consume electricity at a higher rate.
“United States electricity demand is expected to grow at an extraordinary pace, due, in large part, to the rapid growth of large loads,” Wright stated.
“Although there are several drivers to this demand growth, such as home and vehicle electrification, increasing quantities of large commercial and industrial load, most notably data centers, are connecting rapidly to the transmission system.”
Bitcoin Miners and AI Centers to Benefit from New Rules
S. Matthew Schultz, the CEO of Bitcoin mining company CleanSpark, commented in an X post on Friday that under the proposed rules, FERC would be mandated to expedite connections for “flexible loads like Bitcoin mining and data centers.”
“This is a major signal that DOE recognizes the value of flexible demand in strengthening the grid,” he added.
Bitcoin miners require substantial amounts of power to operate their mining rigs, which are essential for validating transactions and creating new blocks on the blockchain. An increased number of participating miners contributes to a higher hashrate, thereby enhancing the security of the network.
Expedited Reviews Could Be Completed in 60 Days
Under the proposed new rules, Wright suggests that expedited reviews concerning the eligibility of large power users for grid connection would be concluded within 60 days, a significant reduction from the current multi-year timelines. This expedited process would be contingent upon the applicant meeting specific criteria, such as agreeing to cover the costs of any necessary network upgrades.
Wright has requested that FERC provide a response to his letter within the next six months, with a deadline of April 30, 2026.
Bitcoin mining companies and artificial intelligence data centers have been increasingly vying for access to affordable and sustainable energy sources. This competition has been suggested as a potential catalyst for renewed institutional investment in the sector over the coming decade.