Data centers and large power users
Data center siting, moratoriums, incentives and the rules for large electric loads. What changed, the rules that apply and the dates ahead for projects in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
Latest briefings
- HighPennsylvania
Pennsylvania proposes cutting power to data centers first when the regional grid runs short
State utility regulators propose that utilities curtail large computing loads lacking their own new capacity before other customers in grid emergencies; comments are due 30 days after Bulletin publication.
ProposedEnergy & gridData centers - MediumNew Jersey
New Jersey Pinelands towns ban data centers as state commission lets eleven local bans take effect
By the end of September 2026, the Pinelands Commission had cleared data center bans in eleven towns and a moratorium in a twelfth, with more ordinances awaiting review.
- HighNew Jersey
New Jersey large new loads could be curtailed first in emergencies from June 2027 under filing
On September 29, 2026 FERC accepted the regional grid operator's one-time capacity backstop but suspended it to February 28, 2027 for a paper hearing. A separate service that would curtail new large loads first, starting June 1, 2027, awaits a ruling PJM has asked for by October 12.
ProposedEnergy & gridData centers - MediumChester County, PA
Pennsylvania: East Whiteland ends data center pause, limits new centers to industrial district by conditional use
A Chester County township closed a six-month zoning pause by adopting data center rules on September 24, 2026; the posted final draft sets 1,250-foot buffers, night noise caps and closed-loop cooling.
- MediumMiddlesex County, NJ
New Jersey weighs diesel generator permit for South Brunswick data center; comments now due November 9
A draft state air permit for twelve emergency diesel generators at a data center under construction on Route 1 drew a crowded hearing, a neighboring town's objection and a longer comment period.
ProposedData centersAir & climate - MediumPennsylvania
Pennsylvania regulators examine who pays for data center grid costs; panel applications due October 14
The Public Utility Commission will hold a November 17 technical conference on allocating costs caused by data centers and other large loads, with written comments due November 13 and December 18.
ProposedData centersEnergy & grid - HighCumberland County, NJ
New Jersey fines Vineland data center $1.07 million for running 62 unpermitted gas generators
The state's largest penalty against a data center gives the developer 45 days to obtain air permits or stop running the generators, a warning for projects using on-site bridge power.
- HighNew York
New York opens comments on scope of statewide data center environmental review; deadline October 20
The study that must be finished before state permits for large data centers resume now has a draft outline, and its final shape may govern how later projects are reviewed.
- HighNew York
New York issues voluntary $1 million per megawatt data center benchmark; DEC permit pause continues
The September 15 framework leaves the pause on DEC permits for large data centers in place and gives towns a voluntary contribution benchmark to use in negotiations, so site contract deadlines need review.
- MediumFairfield County, CT
Connecticut town of Trumbull bars new data centers for two years, exempting its existing site
Trumbull's council adopted a two-year moratorium on new data centers on September 9, while Cromwell's planners rejected a one-year pause and New Haven and Ellington weigh their own.
Rules 5
- New Jersey · P.L. 2026, c.75 (S3379/A4096)Data centre energy and water reporting
- New York · Executive Order No. 62 (2026)Pause on DEC permits for large data centres
- Connecticut · C.G.S. 22a-174; R.C.S.A. 22a-174-3a, -3b, -3cAir permits for new sources and generators
- Connecticut · C.G.S. 32-286 (Public Act 21-1)Data centre tax incentive program
- Pennsylvania · EO 2026-05; Act 21 of 2026 (SB 146); PUC large-load orderData centre power, permit and reporting requirements