Docket No. RM26-4-000 | Notice Extending Comment Period for Proposed ANOPR
At a Glance
On October 23, 2025, the Secretary of Energy, acting under section 403 of the Department of Energy Organization Act, directed the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to consider an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANOPR) focused on the timely and orderly interconnection of large loads to the interstate transmission system.
The ANOPR seeks public input on potential reforms related to how large loads — generally defined as electricity demand greater than 20 megawatts (MW) – interconnect to the transmission system.
Who May Be Interested
Large load customers (including data centers and manufacturing facilities)
Transmission providers
Regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and independent system operators (ISOs)
State regulators
Communities affected by data center or transmission development
Many others who follow electricity issues, including members of the public with concerns about reliability or affordability
Overview
This docket was opened in response to a DOE Section 403 proposal asking FERC to consider reforms related to large load interconnections through an ANOPR. An ANOPR is an early step in the rulemaking process that allows FERC to gather input before deciding whether to propose specific regulatory changes.
FERC is seeking comments on DOE’s proposed principles and the issues they raise, including how to ensure large loads can interconnect to the transmission system in a manner that is timely, orderly, reliable, and non-discriminatory.
FERC is seeking stakeholder input on topics including, but not limited to, the following DOE-identified principles:
Whether large loads and co-located facilities that agree to be flexible and curtail usage should be able to move through interconnection studies faster, how that process should work, and whether studies could be completed within 60 days.
Whether large loads and co-located facilities should pay the full cost of any grid upgrades needed for their interconnection, and whether those costs should be credited back over time, and if so, over what period.
How grid reliability should be evaluated when an existing power plant wants to partially shut down to serve a new large customer at the same location, including whether future load growth should be considered and whether required grid upgrades must be completed first.
How to implement these proposed changes, including how to treat large load interconnection requests that are already under review when any new requirements take effect.
How to Participate
You can share your views by filing a comment in the docket:
Use eComment for shorter, text-only comments (no attachments), or
Use eFiling if you want to upload a document or include attachments.
You can follow filings and issuances through eLibrary and subscribe to updates through eSubscription.
Tip: In your filing, reference Docket No. RM26-4-000.
There are three methods you can use to submit your comments to FERC.
1. eComment
You can file your comments electronically using the eComment feature in FERC Online. Using eComment is an easy method for submitting brief, text-only comments.
2. eFiling
You can file your comments electronically by using the eFiling feature in FERC Online. With eFiling, you can provide comments in a variety of formats by attaching them as a file with your submission. New eFiling users must first create an account by clicking on “eRegister.” You will be asked to select the type of filing you are making.
3. File a paper copy
You can file a paper copy of your comments by mailing them to FERC. Be sure to reference the Project Docket No. P-14890 on your letter. Submissions sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be addressed to:
Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street NE, Room 1A
Washington, DC 20426
Submissions sent via any other carrier must be addressed to:
Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
12225 Wilkins Avenue
Rockville, Maryland 20852
Need help?
The Office of Public Participation (OPP) supports meaningful public engagement in FERC proceedings and can help you navigate FERC processes and filings. You are encouraged to contact OPP staff to learn more about this proposed rulemaking and how to participate by emailing [email protected] or phone at 202-502-6595. All media inquiries should be directed to [email protected].