HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Pennsylvania’s utility regulators are considering new safeguards to help protect residents and existing businesses as data center developments move forward statewide.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission voted 4-0 to approve a tentative order seeking public comment on proposed changes to how electric utilities prepare for and respond to periods of tight electric supply.
Under the proposal, certain new large load customers, like data centers, that have not added enough new electric capacity to support their demand could be curtailed to protect other customers.
The commission is also considering that data centers should be be classified as critical loads and exempt from emergency curtailment.
Full details on the proposal can be found in the tentative order.
Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV devices, and newer Samsung Smart TVs.
Comments can be submitted by mail to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Commonwealth Keystone Building, Second Floor, 400 North Street, Harrisburg, 17120.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.