US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has proposed a new rule urging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish fair and efficient procedures for facilities needing more than 20 megawatts of electricity to connect directly to the bulk transmission system. This initiative, outlined in a letter sent on October 23, aims to address the unprecedented growth in US electricity demand, largely driven by the expansion of AI infrastructure and large-scale cryptocurrency mining operations.
Under the proposed rules, crypto mining companies and AI data centers could see connection reviews completed within 60 days, provided they cover the costs of necessary network upgrades. This represents a significant reduction from typical delays, which have hindered rapid deployment. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reports that US power demand is expanding at its fastest rate in 20 years, emphasizing the urgency of such measures.
Industry leaders, including CleanSpark CEO S. Matthew Schultz, have praised the proposal, noting that crypto miners' flexibility in scaling energy consumption can enhance grid stability by balancing supply and demand. The move aligns with the administration's pro-crypto stance and broader efforts to position the US as a global leader in AI and digital asset innovation. However, some energy and environmental groups have raised concerns about potential impacts on carbon emissions, though the overall business sentiment views this as a model for managing next-generation technology demands.
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