NEWS: States are rolling out laws to protect ratepayers—and push for more nuclear.

New York is now the first US state to enact a data center moratorium. The one-year construction ban addresses projects >50 MW (unlike a similar state bill passed this year, which covers data centers >20 MW). During the temporary ban, Gov. Kathy Hochul is directing state officials to develop environmental standards for future data centers. 

In Illinois, Gov. JB Pritzker signed bills aiming to ease utility customer concerns. These 1) expand low-income energy discounts and 2) require a state commission to publish a report (by Jan. 1, 2027) breaking down monthly electric bill charges. 

Plus, more nuclear for New Jersey: Just over three months after NJ lifted its 50-year nuclear construction moratorium, Gov. Mikie Sherrill has signed a law directing the NJ Board of Public Utilities to procure >1 GW of new nuclear. The law comes with several safeguards to shield ratepayers from cost impacts, including a requirement for projects to secure federal financing.