Energy Department Supports FERC’s Call for PJM to Protect Ratepayers and Build More Reliable Power

DOE urges PJM to require large new electricity users to pay for the generation and infrastructure needed to serve them.

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced its support for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) guidance that would help ensure lower electricity costs for American families and businesses across the PJM Interconnection LLC's (PJM) region spanning across the mid-Atlantic. DOE filed a Notice of Intervention and Statement of Position with FERC supporting its recommendation for PJM’s proposed Reliability Backstop Procurement. FERC recommends PJM submit revised tariff provisions to implement appropriate cost allocation and other reforms. FERC’s recommendations are consistent with President Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge, ensuring large electricity users pay for the generation and infrastructure needed to serve them. 

This action follows the Trump Administration’s call in January 2026 for PJM to adopt market rules to strengthen grid reliability and reduce electricity costs. Specifically, the Administration asked PJM to hold an emergency power auction and to accelerate the development of reliable power generation. The Trump administration was joined by governors from all 13 states who participate in the PJM grid.

“The Trump Administration remains committed to doing everything it can to lower electricity costs, grow the supply of American energy and strengthen grid reliability,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “That’s why President Trump created the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, and the Energy Department supports having large electricity users pay for reliable new power generation.”