During its April 2026 open meeting, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an order in its Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANOPR) proceeding relating to large load interconnections informing participants of its intent to issue an order in the docket by the end of June 2026. As previously reported, in October 2025, the Department of Energy directed FERC to take “final action” on the ANOPR, which included a set of 14 “principles” for FERC to consider as part of the proceeding, by April 30, 2026.
In its April order, FERC noted that it had made meaningful progress on the issue of large loads in other proceedings over the last several months, and that it had “closely reviewed” the more than 3,500 pages of comments in the ANOPR docket, held numerous meetings with stakeholders and engaged with partners in government to determine the best path forward. In June, FERC stated that it will “address the problems discussed in the ANOPR in a manner that is quick, efficient, and legally durable.” In the meantime, FERC reiterated that its efforts in the interconnection docket or elsewhere should not discourage utilities from making filings to address these and other issues under Federal Power Act Section 205.
McGuireWoods continues to monitor this and other proceedings related to large loads. For questions, contact the authors or a member of the McGuireWoods Federal Energy Regulatory Commission team.