While PJM remains gridlocked on how to handle data centers, Pennsylvania regulators approved a new “model tariff” to stop Big Tech from driving up electric bills. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
In a tight vote, the PUC set ground rules for facilities over 50 MW, including a requirement that they guarantee payment for at least 80% of their requested power—preventing existing customers from getting stuck with the bill if a project flops or “ghost books” capacity it doesn't use.
The plan also suggests data centers pay up to $1M annually into hardship funds to help low-income households, effectively acknowledging that the AI boom’s impact on prices could be disproportionate.