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
- 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 - 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 - 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.
- MediumNew Jersey
New Jersey halves AI data center tax credits and closes the program to new applicants
A new law cuts the state's artificial intelligence and data center credit pool from $500 million to $250 million; the state says the remaining credits are fully allocated.
- HighNew Jersey
New Jersey sets path for data center electric tariffs requiring 10-year payment guarantees and twice-yearly reporting
Two 2026 laws reach New Jersey data centers: a July 7 tariff law with an 85 percent, 10-year payment guarantee and priority curtailment, and an August 27 law requiring semiannual energy and water reports to the BPU. Board standards are due within 12 months of July 7.
- MediumNew Jersey
New Jersey tells towns how to negotiate data center benefit deals and property tax breaks
State guidance lists what towns should cover in community benefits agreements with data center developers, restates labor rules for data center construction, and urges caution on long-term tax exemptions.