PJM is fast-tracking its emergency backstop auction to September. (Utility Dive)
The context: To serve new large loads by summer 2029, PJM is rushing to close capacity gaps. The operator originally scheduled a one-time auction for next March—but the Trump admin and regional governors had demanded a September kickoff. Last month, FERC Chair Laura Swett said she was “perplexed” by PJM’s distant deadline.Â
The catch: PJM’s board is urging member states to quickly craft rules to protect residential ratepayers from the auction’s fallout. But it’s unclear how those procurement costs can be isolated to hyperscalers.