Data Center Load Runs Into the Grid-Bill Fight — August 26, 2026

Microsoft and Wisconsin ratepayer advocates are challenging ATC’s data-center transmission-cost plan at FERC, while PG&E tests flexible interconnection and West Virginia PSC staff presses NextEra’s MARL line toward a pause or dismissal. The buildout is running into who-pays and who-connects constraints. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Microsoft challenges ATC plan for data center transmission costs — Wisconsin Watch https://wisconsinwatch.org/2026/08/wisconsin-data-center-microsoft-ratepayer-advocates-challenge-atc-plan-transmission-costs/ 2. What PG&E has learned in two years of flexible interconnection | Latitude Media — Latitude Media https://www.latitudemedia.com/news/what-pge-has-learned-in-two-years-of-flexible-interconnection/ 3. PSC staff makes case for NextEra MARL project dismissal path | Energy and Environment | wvgazettemail.com — West Virginia Gazette-Mail https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/psc-staff-makes-case-for-path-to-dismissing-nexteras-1b-marl-power-line-project/article_e9c69e7d-5b79-4b1b-9989-a75fecf29660.html 4. Data centers’ hidden water footprint is linked to the grid — Latitude Media https://www.latitudemedia.com/news/data-centers-hidden-water-footprint-is-linked-to-the-grid/ Follow and rate The Data Center Daily on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]