PJM, the grid operator for 13 states and Washington, DC, is paying $329.17 per megawatt-day for capacity in 2026-27, against $28.92 for 2024-25. The market monitor's account puts data centers as the main driver of the increase.

On 9 October federal regulators threw out PJM's plan to make new large loads bring their own capacity or accept curtailment in a shortfall, and sent it back.

Sources: FERC order via Troutman Pepper Locke (2026-10-21); Citizens Utility Board (2026-10-19)