Maryland ratepayer advocate files FERC complaint against PJM Interconnection over data center-driven transmission costs
Type: Complaint · Technology: Transmission · Country: United States · Announced: 2026-06-18
Maryland's ratepayer advocate filed a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) alleging that PJM Interconnection improperly allocates transmission project costs to ratepayers for projects driven by data center demand that do not benefit them. The complaint targets PJM's cost-allocation methodology, which the advocate argues unfairly shifts expenses from data center operators to residential and commercial electricity consumers across PJM's 13-state footprint. The filing follows growing scrutiny of data center-driven grid investments, particularly in Virginia and Maryland where hyperscale data centers have surged in recent years. PJM, the largest U.S. grid operator, manages transmission planning and cost recovery for the Mid-Atlantic region. The complaint seeks FERC intervention to reform cost allocation rules and prevent ratepayers from subsidizing private infrastructure projects.
Analysis
The Maryland Office of People's Counsel filed a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on 2026-06-18 against PJM Interconnection, alleging improper allocation of transmission project costs to ratepayers. PJM Interconnection is a regional transmission organization that coordinates wholesale electricity markets and ensures reliable power delivery across its Mid-Atlantic and Southern U.S. territory. The complaint targets PJM's cost-allocation methodology, which the advocate argues unfairly shifts expenses from data center operators to residential and commercial electricity consumers across PJM's 13-state footprint. The filing follows growing scrutiny of data center-driven grid investments, particularly in Virginia and Maryland where hyperscale data centers have surged in recent years. The complaint seeks FERC intervention to reform cost allocation rules and prevent ratepayers from subsidizing private infrastructure projects.
Key points
- 2026-06-18: Complaint filed with FERC
- 13-state footprint: PJM Interconnection's transmission territory
- Maryland and Virginia: Regions with surging hyperscale data centers
- PJM Interconnection: Regional transmission organization
- FERC: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Counterparties
- PJM Interconnection (Defendant)
- Maryland Office of People's Counsel (Complainant)