The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued a major ruling on large-load interconnection, reshaping how AI factories, semiconductor fabrication facilities, and advanced manufacturing plants connect to the U.S. power grid. The action is framed as a response to growing grid stress driven by surging AI infrastructure demand. NVIDIA highlighted the decision as consequential for the build-out of next-generation AI data centers.
New York lawmakers passed a one-year moratorium on new large data centers, pending Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision. Supporters say the pause would give the state time to study impacts on energy prices, electricity, water, land use, and pollution. The bill also requires companies planning data centers with at least 20MW peak demand to fund public hearings, while business groups warn a blanket pause could hurt the state economy.