FERC in 2026: Rising Costs Cloud Regulators' Options on Data Centers, Transmission and More

Energy attorney Willie Phillips was interviewed by Utility Dive about the issues likely to define the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) agenda in 2026. The article explored the push to connect large loads such as data centers, implement recent transmission and interconnection reforms, and manage mounting affordability and reliability pressures. Mr. Phillips predicted this year will center on execution and legally durable decisions, particularly as FERC navigates cost allocation and the balance between accelerating infrastructure and protecting existing customers.

"The challenge is making sure that [large loads] interconnect in a way that's transparent, predictable and fair to existing customers," he said. "And of course, we all know that cost allocation is where policy meets politics – and FERC's challenge, as always, is ensuring that who benefits pays, and to ensure that in a way that doesn't harm or chill much-needed infrastructure investment."

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