(Oil & Gas 360) – Federal energy regulators have approved a plan by PJM Interconnection to establish a registry tracking large data centers and other major electricity consumers, while rejecting a proposal that would have allowed certain facilities to face temporary power curtailments during periods of grid stress.The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued its decision October 9, addressing concerns about rapidly increasing electricity demand across PJM’s service territory, which covers approximately 67 million people in 13 states and the District of Columbia.The approved registry will collect information about facilities requiring 50 megawatts or more of electricity, including their locations, expected operating dates, projected power consumption, supply arrangements, and backup generation capabilities.The information is intended to help PJM better forecast electricity demand and coordinate future generation and transmission investments.PJM expects electricity demand from data centers to nearly triple by 2030, reaching approximately 29 gigawatts. The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure and cloud computing facilities has increased pressure on an electricity system already facing challenges associated with retiring generation capacity and delays in developing replacement resources.FERC rejected a separate proposal that would have allowed certain new data centers and other large electricity users to receive grid service subject to curtailment during emergencies.Under PJM’s proposed framework, large customers that did not secure sufficient new generating capacity could face interruptions when electricity supplies became constrained.Federal regulators raised concerns about whether the proposal exceeded PJM’s authority over retail electricity customers and whether its treatment of large users was adequately justified.The commission indicated that PJM could submit a revised proposal addressing those concerns, including the responsibilities of state regulators in determining which customers may be curtailed during emergencies.The decision leaves unresolved how PJM will accommodate rapidly expanding electricity demand while protecting existing customers from higher costs and reliability risks.For the energy industry, the ruling highlights the growing relationship between data center development and demand for reliable power generation.Natural gas-fired power plants are among the options available to provide dispatchable electricity, particularly when renewable generation is unavailable or insufficient to meet demand.Additional gas-fired capacity could create opportunities for natural gas producers, pipeline operators, gas processing companies, and power infrastructure developers. However, project economics will depend on regulatory approvals, construction costs, fuel availability, and long-term electricity contracts.The growing need for dependable electricity also has implications for utilities and independent power producers evaluating investments in generation capacity, transmission infrastructure, and energy storage.For investors, the approval of the registry represents an initial step toward improving visibility into future electricity requirements rather than an immediate solution to potential capacity shortages.More accurate demand forecasts could help utilities and developers determine where additional generation and infrastructure investments may be needed.The next developments to watch include PJM’s revised proposals, state regulatory decisions, and whether new power projects can advance quickly enough to meet anticipated data center demand.As electricity consumption increases, the ability to finance, construct, and deliver reliable generation capacity will remain an important consideration for energy companies and investors.Disclaimer This informational, opinion, and insights article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice. The views expressed are based on publicly available information and market conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.