The US energy secretary has called on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to draft new regulations that would allow major consumers of electricity, like AI data hubs and Bitcoin mining operations, to connect to the power grid swiftly.
In a letter made public on Thursday, Chris Wright, the US Energy Secretary, urged FERC, which oversees the interstate electricity grid, to implement expedited procedures for large users of electricity seeking direct connections to the high-voltage transmission network.
The high-voltage system can support more load than localized grids and is typically where significant industrial consumers connect.
“The demand for electricity in the United States is projected to escalate rapidly, largely due to the increasing number of large loads,” Wright stated.
“While there are various factors contributing to this demand surge, the swift connection of large commercial entities, especially data centers, is a significant issue.”
Benefits for Bitcoin Miners and AI Facilities
S. Matthew Schultz, CleanSpark’s CEO, mentioned in a recent post that the new rules would mean FERC has to fast-track connections for “flexible loads like Bitcoin mining and data centers.”
“This is a clear indication that the Department of Energy acknowledges the importance of flexible demand for bolstering the grid,” he stated.
Bitcoin mining requires substantial energy to run mining rigs that verify transactions and generate new blocks. An increased number of miners enhances the hashrate, thereby fortifying the network.
Potential 60-Day Review Period
Wright proposed that any reviews regarding the connections for significant power users be completed within 60 days, assuming the applicant agrees to cover any necessary network upgrades.
Wright has requested FERC to reply to his letter within six months, with a deadline of April 30, 2026.
Bitcoin mining companies and AI data processing centers are increasingly competing for access to affordable and sustainable energy, which could attract renewed institutional investments within the decade.
