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FERC chair says commission will weigh data‑center objections but focus remains grid reliability
Summary
Responding to questions about the DOE NOPR and rising local resistance to data centers, Chairman Sweat said FERC's statutory role is to ensure reliable connections and well‑functioning markets and that the commission will evaluate facts and transparency rather than political pressure.
Keith Goldberg of Law 3 60 asked whether FERC is factoring public and state pushback against data center buildouts into its consideration of the DOE notice of proposed rulemaking and whether resistance could spill over to impede other energy infrastructure projects. Chairman Sweat said the commission's role, as established by Congress, is to ensure the grid reliably connects load where it occurs and that markets function with transparency and just rates.
"We have to ensure that the electric grid is reliable and that consumers are paying just and reasonable rates," he said. Sweat added that FERC will examine the facts and provide technical assistance to industry where appropriate, and that the commission's mission does not change based on partisan pressures.
The exchange did not produce a change in policy or a vote; comments and further record in the relevant dockets will inform any future action.
