Latest proposal highlights need for state oversight

Today, PJM Interconnection (PJM) released an updated Critical Issue Fast Path (CIFP) proposal that significantly weakens its original September plan in response to initial stakeholder feedback by making large load curtailment voluntary. In response, Evergreen Action Deputy State Policy Director Julia Kortrey released the following statement: 

“PJM’s latest revision is a blatant retreat from responsibility, rolling back nearly all meaningful protections and giving industry players a free pass at the direct expense of ratepayers. It’s no wonder that consumers and governors are growing increasingly frustrated: yet again, PJM has refused to listen or take action to lower energy bills. With no mandatory requirements in place, consumers are now on the hook for skyrocketing costs and increased risk of blackouts driven by unchecked data center growth. Absent serious reforms that include greater state oversight, it’s clear PJM intends to keep doing industry’s bidding.

“PJM had a golden opportunity to rein in corporate greed, but instead rolled out the red carpet for member companies and Big Tech to cash in. By stripping away the limited safeguards from their initial proposal, PJM opened the floodgates to higher costs, a weaker grid, and deeper inequities. Communities shouldn’t be forced to subsidize industry excess—states need a real seat at the table so we can course correct before the cost multiplies.”